In a groundbreaking medical achievement, surgeons have successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig liver into a human — marking the world’s first therapeutic pig-to-human liver transplant.
According to Hobnob News, the patient, a 71-year-old man, survived for nearly six months following the procedure. The man suffered from irreversible liver scarring due to hepatitis B infection and liver cancer, conditions that rendered him ineligible for a conventional human liver transplant.
The historic procedure, carried out by scientists at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in China, represents a major milestone in the field of xenotransplantation — the transplantation of animal organs into humans.
Researchers detailed their findings in the Journal of Hepatology, revealing that genetically modified pig livers can perform essential metabolic and synthetic functions in humans.
For this operation, scientists used an “auxiliary graft” from a genetically modified Diannan miniature pig engineered to improve organ compatibility. The liver functioned effectively for about a month before complications linked to xenotransplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (xTMA) arose on day 38.
Although the condition was treated successfully, the patient eventually passed away 171 days after the surgery.
Lead investigator, Dr. Beicheng Sun, described the breakthrough as a major step forward in transplant science.
“This case proves that a genetically engineered pig liver can function in a human for an extended period,” Dr. Sun said. “It’s a pivotal advancement that highlights both the promise and the challenges, particularly around coagulation and immune complications.”
In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Heiner Wedemeyer, co-editor of the Journal of Hepatology, hailed the report as a “landmark in hepatology,” noting that it demonstrated the potential of genetically modified porcine organs to sustain human life.
“This breakthrough could revolutionize treatment for patients suffering from acute liver failure and chronic liver disease,” Wedemeyer added. “A new era in transplant hepatology has begun.”
Pigs have long been considered promising donor animals due to their organ size, genetic compatibility, and the advancements in gene-editing technology. However, immune rejection and blood coagulation issues have posed significant obstacles for over four decades.
Recent developments in gene editing and immune suppression therapies are helping researchers overcome these barriers, offering renewed hope for solving global organ shortages.
The achievement follows previous attempts involving pig heart and kidney transplants. In 2022, David Bennett, 57, became the first human to receive a genetically modified pig heart in the U.S., living for two months post-surgery. Similarly, Richard Slayman, 62, underwent a pig kidney transplant in 2024 but died nearly two months later.
Despite the challenges, medical experts believe this latest success marks a major leap toward viable animal-to-human organ transplantation — potentially reshaping the future of organ donation and life-saving treatment.
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