An international collaboration between eGenesis in the United States and PorMedTec in Japan has resulted in the successful production of genetically modified pig donors for transplantation. This breakthrough comes as welcome news, particularly in Japan, where the demand for organs far outweighs the availability. With only 3% of waitlisted patients receiving transplants due to a shortage of donors, the need for alternative solutions has become increasingly urgent. In Japan, the average wait time for a kidney transplant is fifteen years, compared to just four years in the United States.
Genjiro Miwa, the founder and CEO of PorMedTec, commented on the significance of this achievement, explaining that the birth of a genetically engineered pig with a proven track record in the United States is expected to expedite progress towards clinical applications in Japan. The aim of PorMedTec is to provide transplantable organs, tissues, and cells to treat patients suffering from organ failure. This new development has the potential to revolutionize the field of xenotransplantation, offering hope to thousands of patients in need. To stay up-to-date with future advancements in sustainable agriculture, biomedicine, and other transformative innovations, interested individuals can subscribe to the organizations’ newsletter.
