A genetically modified pig kidney transplant allowed a patient with kidney failure to go nine months without dialysis while waiting for a compatible kidney from a human donor. This period represents a record for this type of experimental transplant.
The kidney was transplanted from Wilma, a Yucatan mini-pig, whose genes were modified to reduce the risk of rejection by the human body. The case was detailed in a scientific article published on Wednesday in the journal The Lancet.
The transplant worked for the nine months necessary for a suitable human kidney to be found for the patient, demonstrating the potential of this experimental approach. The results suggest that genetically modified pig kidneys could serve as a temporary solution for the thousands of patients waiting on organ waiting lists.
Although it is still an experimental technique, researchers believe that, in the future, pig kidneys could permanently function as an alternative to available human organs.
