Researchers investigate pig livers as potential treatment for liver failure

In the United States, a groundbreaking clinical trial has been initiated to assess the efficacy of using gene-edited pig livers as a temporary treatment for patients suffering from acute liver failure. This trial, which has received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration, aims to explore a novel approach where the pig liver will be connected externally to patients to filter their blood. This innovative method seeks to provide a temporary alternative for individuals awaiting liver transplants, particularly since many either do not qualify or cannot secure a match in a timely manner. The urgency of this trial stems from alarming statistics indicating that approximately 35,000 people in America face hospitalization each year due to sudden liver failure. With limited treatment options available and an associated mortality rate of up to 50%, the need for novel solutions is critical. The clinical trial, expected to commence in the upcoming spring, will enroll up to 20 patients from intensive care units who do not meet the criteria for a liver transplant. The organization behind this initiative, Massachusetts-based eGenesis, specializes in genetically modifying pig organs to resemble human organs, making them potentially more suitable for human use. The process involves utilizing a device developed by Britain's OrganOx, which is currently employed for preserving donated human livers. By pumping participants' blood through an externally attached pig liver, researchers aim to temporarily relieve the burden on the patients’ own livers. The concept behind this trial is based on previous experiments in which the pig liver demonstrated the ability to support certain functions of human livers for a duration of two to three days, providing a unique opportunity for patient healing and recovery. As the clinical trial unfolds, it will mark a significant step forward in the ongoing exploration of xenotransplantation—the transplantation of animal organs into humans. With pig organs already being utilized in experimental kidney transplants, this study is an important development in the quest to address the pressing shortage of viable human organs for transplantation and to save lives through innovative medical advancements.