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Scientists Pioneer Pig-to-Human Transplants
4 Sep
Summary
- Scientists propose using pig organs for patients on waiting lists.
- Experimental transplants of gene-edited pig organs show promise.
- A 66-year-old man received a pig organ in a world-first case.

Scientists have suggested that patients on organ-donation waiting lists could receive transplants from genetically modified pigs while awaiting a suitable human donor. This innovative approach is gaining traction as experimental cases involving the transplantation of gene-edited pig organs into humans have demonstrated encouraging outcomes.
A significant milestone was reached when a 66-year-old man from New Hampshire, identified as Tim Andrews, became the first person to receive such a transplant. This pioneering procedure offers a glimmer of hope for individuals facing long waits for life-saving organ donations.