Historic success in Japan: Pig's kidney transplanted...?
Historic success in Japan: Pig's kidney transplanted...?Science has touched such heights which were once beyond the imagination of humans. Especially in the health sector, science has achieved great success in solving difficult problems. In this episode, Japanese startup PormedTech announced on monday (November 25) that they have successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig's kidney into a monkey. This has happened for the first time in japan and it can prove to be an important step for the use of animal body parts in humans in future.A team of researchers led by Hisashi Sahara of Kagoshima university and Masayoshi Okumi of Kyoto Prefectural university of Medicine carried out this procedure. The transplant was done on a 7-year-old monkey. According to the information, the kidney was obtained from a 2½-month-old pig. The pig's genes were modified in such a way that the risk of virus infection and immune system could be reduced.Monkey in good condition after transplantBy monday afternoon, researchers confirmed that the monkey was in good health and its kidneys were functioning properly. A researcher said, "We want to make continuous progress in the field of xenotransplantation and pave the way for its practical use."What is the future planning?Pormedtech has produced 39 donor pigs since february 2024. The process was completed using cells from US-based biotech startup eGenesis. Cloned piglets were produced by transferring genetically engineered embryos into surrogate mother pigs. The company now has 13 genetically modified pigs and plans to use them on primates and in transplants.Preparation to open a new chapterThis research has opened new doors in the field of xenotransplantation. In the times to come, this technology can play an important role in overcoming the shortage of human body organs and finding solutions to serious diseases.