Surgeons at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully used a genetically modified pig liver to filter blood outside a human body, marking a potential step forward in treating liver failure. The experiment, announced on Thursday, involved attaching the pig liver to a brain-dead donor's circulatory system for 72 hours, during which the organ performed its blood-cleansing function without signs of damage.
The approach differs from traditional animal-to-human organ transplants, known as xenotransplants, as the pig liver was used externally rather than implanted. This technique aims to create a temporary 'bridge' for patients with failing livers, similar to how dialysis supports kidney function. The liver, from a pig genetically modified by eGenesis, was connected to a device made by OrganOx, typically used to preserve donated human livers.
Animal-to-human transplants have historically failed due to immune rejection, but recent advances in genetic modification have revived interest. In the past few years, pig kidneys and hearts have been tested in brain-dead donors and living patients, though with limited success. The US Food and Drug Administration is considering allowing trials of pig hearts or kidneys for patients needing transplants.
The liver's complexity, involving blood filtration, waste removal, and production of essential substances, makes this breakthrough particularly significant. Approximately 10,000 people are on the US waiting list for a liver transplant. Dr Parsia Vagefi of UT Southwestern Medical Center, not involved in the study, praised the combination of pig liver and external device as an 'intriguing step' toward better liver failure care.
