Gene-Edited Organ Transplant: Monkey Who Received Kidney From Pig With Added Human Genes Survived for Over 2 Years

Finding an organ donor who is a perfect patient match is difficult. However, gene-edited organ transplants show promising results after a monkey with a kidney from a pig survived for over two years.

Monkey With Pig Kidney Survives

Researchers are hopeful that using pig kidneys would help to alleviate the scarcity of human kidney donors. However, they must first ensure that the transplanted organs will continue functioning. In a new study, the Massachusetts-based biotech company eGenesis revealed that a kidney from a genetically modified pig functioned in monkeys for over two years, taking a step in the right direction.

Researchers from eGenesis modified donor pigs with various combinations of alterations using CRISPR gene editing. Three genes implicated in hyperacute rejection, which happens minutes after a transplant when the recipient's immune system mistakes the new organ for a foreign object, were inhibited by some alterations. Others turned off these three genes and inserted seven human genes that control blood coagulation, immunity, and inflammation. The researchers subsequently gave the 21 monkeys with their kidneys removed the gene-edited pig kidneys.

The median survival time of the donor kidneys with human genes was 176 days as opposed to 24 days for those with only the three pig genes knocked out. According to the study's authors, including human DNA may offer protection against rejection. The kidneys given to the longest-living monkey, who lived for 758 days following the operation, had extra human genes.

"The animals tolerate these organs very well," said Mike Curtis, CEO of eGenesis.

Monkeys are frequently utilized in research as human substitutes in experiments due to their biological similarity to the latter. However, Curtis believes that since the organs have been modified with the human immune system in mind, the results of transplants for individuals will be much better. Additionally, people are more likely to heed medical advice to recuperate from surgery.

According to Curtis, his company's initial objective is to provide people with pig kidneys that endure at least three years. In the end, he hopes they will continue to work much longer.

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How Much Is A Kidney Worth?

The kidney is vital, so we are lucky to have two. Since many can live long with only one, some donate their other kidney to a loved one while others make money. However, the price of a kidney may vary depending on the country where you are from.

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates kidney costs about $20,000 in India. In China, it is worth at least $40,000 though. With higher prices, a good, healthy kidney might cost up to $160,000 in Israel.

The costs above do not apply to organ donors, though. Sally Satel, a researcher at the American Enterprise Institute who examines the costs associated with legal and illegal organ-donor operations, claimed that the donor only received a small portion of the price of the kidney.

In the black market, the broker receives a commission when the organ is sold in addition to the expenses he incurs for travel, medical supplies, operations, and other procedures. A kidney donor might thus be left with $1,000-$10,000.