Gene-Edited Pig Liver Successfully Attached to Human Body in Groundbreaking Experiment

University of Pennsylvania researchers demonstrate potential for animal-to-human organ transplants in liver failure treatment.

Surgeons at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully attached a genetically modified pig liver to a brain-dead human body, where it functioned normally for 72 hours.
The pig liver was used outside the body, creating a 'bridge' to support failing livers by doing the organ’s blood-cleansing work externally, similar to dialysis for failing kidneys.
The pig liver was genetically modified by biotech company eGenesis to be more human-like, reducing the risk of rejection by the human immune system.
The experiment marks progress in the development of liver failure treatments using xenotransplantation, or animal-to-human organ transplants.
The researchers believe that pig livers could be used to stabilize patients who need a liver transplant and are waiting for a donor, or offer temporary support for patients whose own livers could recover.