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How a pig-kidney xenotransplant served as a successful bridge to human transplant for patient with end-stage kidney disease

Researchers report successful xenotransplantation of genetically edited pig kidney to patient with end-stage kidney disease, achieving longest dialysis-free survival of 271 days. The study highlights the potential of xenotransplantation as a bridge to human transplant, addressing the organ shortage crisis.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalThe Lancet·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2026

“A spray shield that adheres to transplant organs” reduces the burden on patients taking lifelong immunosuppressants

Researchers developed a spray shield that adheres to transplant organs using mussel-derived adhesive protein, reducing immune rejection and its side effects. This innovation enables targeted delivery of immunosuppressants directly to the transplanted site, increasing success rates in xenograft transplantation.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateMar 5, 2026

UVA Health developing way to ID people at risk of dangerous lung scarring even before symptoms appear

Researchers aim to determine if biomarkers can identify adults at risk of developing interstitial lung disease (ILD), a chronic condition that causes inflammation and scarring in the lung tissue. The approach could lead to the development of new, better treatments with more tolerable side effects.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 10, 2025

World’s first pig-to-human liver xenotransplant in a living recipient reported in the Journal of Hepatology

A pioneering case of pig-to-human liver xenotransplantation has been successfully demonstrated, with the genetically engineered porcine liver functioning for an extended period in a human recipient. The patient survived for 171 days despite complications such as xenotransplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeCase study·DateOct 9, 2025

Presenting a path forward for future genetically-modified pig heart transplants: lessons learned from second patient

Researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine analyzed the second patient to receive a genetically-modified pig organ, identifying key factors contributing to rejection and highlighting areas for improvement. The study provides valuable insights into how to prevent graft failure in future transplants.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeCase study·DateJan 8, 2025

New imaging technique to improve head and neck cancer surgery

Researchers developed a new imaging technique using fluorescence-guided surgery to enhance visibility of tumors and nerves during head and neck cancer surgery. The technique uses two near-infrared fluorophores, one for tumors and another for facial nerves, allowing for clear differentiation between cancerous tissues and nerves.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateNov 7, 2024

First-ever combined heart pump and pig kidney transplant gives new hope to patient with terminal illness

A combined mechanical heart pump and gene-edited pig kidney transplant has given new hope to a patient with heart and kidney failure. The surgery was performed in two stages, first implanting the heart pump and later transplanting the gene-edited pig kidney. This innovative approach has shown promise for patients who would otherwise no...

Study: UAB researchers establish optimal immunosuppression regimen for pig-to-human kidney transplants

Researchers found combining common immune-suppressing drugs with a complement inhibitor effectively managed the initial human immune response against transplanted pig kidneys. The regimen, which relies solely on already FDA-approved medications, showed remarkable success in Parsons model case series.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeCase study·DateJan 25, 2024

Avatars to help tailor glioblastoma therapies

Researchers have developed a novel zebrafish xenograft platform to screen for novel treatments for glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor. The platform uses zebrafish avatars to model glioblastoma cells from individual patients, allowing researchers to identify patient-specific targets and potential treatments.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2023

Lessons learned from first genetically-modified pig heart into human patient

Researchers analyzed data from the first genetically-modified pig heart transplant into a human patient and found that several overlapping factors contributed to heart failure, including poor pre-transplant health, immunocompromised state, and use of intravenous immunoglobulin. The study provides crucial insight into how these factors ...

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCase study·DateJun 29, 2023

VHIO establishes a large collection of cholangiocarcinoma models for preclinical drug evaluation and biomarker discovery

Researchers at VHIO have established a unique collection of metastatic cholangiocarcinoma patient-derived xenografts to help prioritize potential clinical trials and deliver precision patient care. The models have identified mutations in genes such as BRCA2, which could serve as a biomarker for response to PARP inhibitors.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateNov 24, 2022

University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers publish findings of first successful transplant of genetically modified pig heart into human patient

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine conducted a groundbreaking xenotransplant surgery, implanting a genetically modified pig heart into a 57-year-old patient with terminal heart disease. The patient survived for two months with a strong functioning heart showing no obvious signs of rejection.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeCase study·DateJun 22, 2022

Promising compound kills range of hard-to-treat cancers by targeting a previously undiscovered vulnerability

A compound called ERX-41 has been shown to kill a range of hard-to-treat cancer types, including breast and ovarian cancers, by targeting a previously unexploited vulnerability. This could lead to new drugs being developed to fight these cancers, which currently have few effective treatments.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNature Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2022

UAB announces first clinical-grade transplant of gene-edited pig kidneys into brain-dead human

Researchers at UAB successfully transplanted genetically modified pig kidneys into a brain-dead human, demonstrating the feasibility of xenotransplantation. The kidneys functioned for 77 hours without immediate rejection, paving the way for potential treatment of thousands suffering from kidney failure.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

The 10-gene pig and other medical science advances enabled UAB’s transplant of a pig kidney into a brain-dead human recipient

UAB surgeons successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a brain-dead human recipient, testing safety and feasibility in a novel human preclinical model. The experiment showed that the xenograft perfused normally and maintained vascular integrity, paving the way for potential treatment of thousands with organ failu...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

eGenesis study addresses cross-species viral transmission concern in xenotransplantation published in Science

Researchers at eGenesis have successfully produced the first PERV-free piglets using CRISPR technology, addressing safety concerns in xenotransplantation. The breakthrough demonstrates the potential of gene editing to prevent cross-species viral transmission and pave the way for safe human transplantable cells, tissues, and organs.

SourcePure Communications Inc.·JournalScience·DateAug 10, 2017

Sensitizing prostate cancer to radiotherapy

Scientists selectively sensitized prostate cancer cells to radiation therapy by knocking down a key protein repair gene. The approach shows promise for treating locally advanced prostate cancer, reducing disease recurrence.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 9, 2011

Pig-human transplantation not PERVerted

Researchers develop a new xenotransplantation model where human cells coexist with porcine cells, showing that they can live long-term without PERV infection. The study suggests that pigs may be a safer source for human transplantation due to the low risk of transmitting viruses.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 1, 2004