Overview

• Chinese researchers successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a 69-year-old woman, marking her as the third person globally to live with such an organ.
• Three weeks post-operation, the kidney continues to function well, with the patient reportedly in excellent health under close monitoring.
• The team also conducted the world's first transplant of a genetically modified pig liver into a brain-dead human, with the organ functioning for 10 days and producing bile without early rejection signs.
• Six genetic modifications were made to the donor pigs to reduce rejection risks, showcasing advancements in genetic engineering for xenotransplantation.
• These breakthroughs highlight the potential of pig organs as solutions to the global organ shortage, though routine clinical use remains a distant goal due to unresolved challenges.