Weve reached a new frontier in organ transplantation.
Researchers in China detailed their groundbreaking accomplishment in astudypublished today in Nature.
Yet only 48,000 transplants take place annually, creating a significant shortfall.
Scientists have successfully transplanted gene-edited pig kidneys, hearts, and now livers into the human body.© l i g h t p o e t via Shutterstock
Its estimated that 17 people die every day waiting on the transplant list.
They monitored both recipient and organ for 10 days, terminating the study at the familys request.
Things appeared to go smoothly during the experiment.
Within two hours of the transplantation, it began to produce bile and maintained acceptable blood flow.
Its a great achievement, said study researcher Lin Wang at a press conference held on Tuesday.
That said, were still far from seeing pig-derived livers and other organs becoming commonplace.
Still, xenotransplantation could become an important option even before that lofty goal is achieved.
The scientists note that the recipients own liver remained intact the entire time.
News from the future, delivered to your present.
