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A significant breakthrough in the field of xenotransplantation has been achieved through a recent study. This study demonstrated the more prolonged survival of animal recipients who gotThis “extraordinary milestone” was achieved by a team of researchers from the Harvard Medical School and the US biotech company eGenesis. The latter’s goal is to develop human-compatible organs to treat organ failure.
This technology allows for the deliberate modifications of a chosen animal's genome, permitting the elimination of harmful genes, including removing viruses genes inherent in the animals. Pigs are frequently employed in xenotransplantation studies because their organs are anatomically comparable to humans in terms of organ size and physiological metabolism.
69 distinct genetic modifications were performed on Yucatan miniature pigs, and the recipients were crab-eating macaques. This new development brings researchers one step closer to potential human applications. Following this study, the company actively seeks approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to begin a human clinical study.