Over 100,000 Americans are in need of organ transplants, but genetically modified pigs may provide a solution. Researchers in Virginia are growing modified pigs with organs that could potentially be used to bridge the gap in human donors. These pigs have been genetically altered with 10 gene modifications, including four inactivated pig genes and six human genes. Nearby, researchers at United Therapeutics are working on producing 125 pig organs a year for clinical trials. The FDA is starting to see evidence that this method could work, offering hope for those on the national transplant waiting list. In another medical breakthrough, researchers at the University of New Mexico have developed a new device to help those with sleep apnea. The device, implanted surgically around a nerve in the neck that controls tongue movement, helps prevent the tongue from falling back when sleeping, improving breathing. Previously limited by insurance coverage, this procedure will now be more widely accessible to those in need.
Gene-edited pigs could revolutionize the field of organ transplants, potentially offering a solution to the shortage of human donors. Scientists in Virginia are working on creating modified pigs whose organs could be used to help the more than 100,000 Americans currently awaiting transplants. By genetically modifying the pigs, researchers hope to make the organs more suitable for human use, ultimately reducing the need for people to wait on transplant lists where about 17 individuals die every day while waiting for a life-saving donation.
Lab-grown pig organs could provide a much-needed alternative to human donations, with researchers at United Therapeutics aiming to produce around 125 pig organs a year for clinical trials. These animals are under strict security measures and their living conditions meet higher filtration standards to ensure the quality of the organs. With advancements in genetic editing technology, scientists have been able to create pigs with 10 genetic modifications, including inactivating pig genes and introducing human genes to make the organs more compatible with human recipients.
In a separate medical breakthrough, researchers at the University of New Mexico have developed a new device to help individuals suffering from sleep apnea, a condition that affects millions of Americans. The device, which is surgically implanted around a nerve in the neck, aims to prevent the tongue from falling back into the throat during sleep, thereby improving breathing and reducing the need for uncomfortable CPAP machines. While the procedure has been available for two years, insurance restrictions have limited its accessibility, but now more individuals will have the opportunity to benefit from this innovative solution.
