FDA Approves Use of Genetically Modified Pigs For the First Time

For the first time, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of genetically modified pigs for the production of food and drugs. This step is considered a significant scientific innovation milestone, according to the press release by the FDA.

"Today's first-ever approval of an animal biotechnology product for both food and as a potential source for biomedical use represents a tremendous milestone for scientific innovation," said FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn.

ALSO READ: Is Genetically Modified Food Safe?

GalSafe Pigs: The First Genetically Modified Pigs Approved by the FDA

Revivicor, the medical company that developed the genetically modified pigs, said that the pigs could be used in the production of safe meat for people with meat allergies, drugs, and to provide organs and tissues for transplants.

The genetically modified pigs lack the molecule known as alpha-gal sugar that causes allergic reactions, hence the pigs were named as GalSafe pigs. The molecule alpha-gal is commonly found in mammals but seldom in humans.

Just a bite from a lone star or deer tick can cause a serious meat allergy, called the alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). According to The Verge, the US FDA has already determined GalSafe pork products to be safe for the use of the general public although the pork was not yet tested on people with AGS.

Furthermore, GalSafe is not only safe for food consumption but the FDA has also approved it for several medical uses. This includes the use of GalSafe pigs in the production of drugs like heparin. These drugs are a common blood thinner that is derived from animal tissues which are safe for use in people with AGS.

GalSafe pigs can also be useful in organ transplants, although further research is needed as it was not yet tested for transplantation potential, the news outlet reported.

The pigs are the first genetically modified organism that has been approved for both food and medical use. Although it is not considered a super pig. The only difference it has with non-modified pigs is its lack of a certain molecule that triggers meat allergy in some people.

Those who want to use the pigs for new drugs, transplants, or implants in humans must first seek further approval from the FDA.

Other Genetically Modified Organisms for Food

The FDA-approval of the GalSafe pigs might sound unique but this is not the first time that the US FDA has approved the use of a genetically modified organism (GMO).

Eleven years ago, the FDA has approved genetically engineered goats to produce drugs in their milk to prevent blood clots. Then in 2015, they also approved chickens that can make a drug in their eggs, and also approved the genetically modified salmon became the first GMO animal to be approved for eating.

Meanwhile, Singapore recently approved lab-grown chicken meat which is the world's first regulatory approval for a "clean meat" that does not involve the killing of chickens. The meat will be sold as nuggets and priced at the premium chicken's price, ABC News reported.