Scientists in Guangzhou Successfully Transplant Genetically Modified Pig Lung into 39-Year-Old Patient with Brain Death
A team of researchers from the University of Guangzhou, China has performed the first transplantation of a genetically modified pig lung into a 39-year-old human patient with brain death following a cerebral hemorrhage. The xenograft lung maintained its viability and functionality for 9 days (216 hours) during the follow-up period, with no signs of acute rejection or infection.
Study Details and Findings
- Viability: The genetically modified pig lung, featuring six genetic modifications to enhance human compatibility, remained viable and functional for nine days.
- Challenges: Although the study demonstrates the feasibility of pig lung xenotransplantation, significant challenges remain regarding organ rejection and infection. More preclinical studies are necessary before clinical translation.
- Immunosuppression: The Chinese researchers employed a comprehensive immunosuppressive regimen, including rabbit antithymocyte globulin, basiliximab, rituximab, eculizumab, tofacitinib, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and steroids with decreasing doses, adjusting based on immune status evaluations postoperatively.
Expert Opinions and Implications
Beatriz Domínguez-Gil, Director of the National Transplant Organization (ONT), highlighted the significance of this study: “This research marks a milestone in translational medicine, as it is the first time a genetically modified pig lung has been implanted in a human patient with brain death. The lung, with six genetic modifications for enhanced compatibility, maintained viability and function for nine days.”
However, Rafael Matesanz, founder and creator of the ONT, pointed out that many questions remain unanswered: “While this study shows it’s possible, there are more uncertainties than answers. Although progress has been made, achieving a good outcome with these lung transplants in patients and ensuring acceptable survival rates seems distant and more complicated than with kidney or liver transplants. In summary, this study opens a small door in the field of xenotransplantation, but with more doubts than certainties.”
Challenges in Lung Transplantation
According to Domínguez-Gil, lung transplantation presents unique challenges compared to other experimentally transplanted organs like kidneys or livers. “Unlike these organs, lungs have high exposure to air and extensive blood flow, making them more vulnerable and difficult to preserve. This study’s significance lies in proving that, with further improvements, pig lung xenotransplantation could become a viable option to save lives in the future. The clinical need is immense,” she stated.
The Global Observatory of Donation and Transplant, coordinated by the ONT as an affiliated center of the World Health Organization (WHO), reported 8,236 lung transplants worldwide in 2024—a 6% increase from the previous year.
Despite this growth, demand significantly outweighs organ availability. In 2024, only 2,221 patients in the European Union received a lung transplant compared to 3,926 patients on the waiting list. Of those on the waiting list, 216 patients passed away before receiving a transplant. In Spain, the global leader in lung transplants, 623 procedures were performed in 2024—a rate of 13.1 per million population, the highest in the world.
Domínguez-Gil emphasized, “These statistics underscore the severity of the issue. Thousands of people annually face the possibility of not receiving a life-extending organ in time. If xenotransplantation becomes a safe clinical option, it could revolutionize lung transplant access and significantly alleviate the current organ shortage.”
