In a landmark achievement for medical science, researchers in China have successfully transplanted a gene-edited pig lung into a human body for the first time globally. The breakthrough, led by Professor He Jianxing of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, offers hope for addressing chronic shortages of donor organs worldwide.
Published in Nature Medicine, the study involved transplanting a modified lung from a Bama miniature pig into a brain-dead recipient. The donor organ underwent six genetic edits to minimize immune rejection risks. Remarkably, the transplanted lung maintained ventilation and gas exchange for nine days post-surgery without signs of acute rejection or infection.
"This represents a critical milestone in xenotransplantation research," said Professor He, emphasizing the procedure's potential to alleviate global organ shortages. With over 100,000 people worldwide awaiting lung transplants annually, the development could revolutionize treatment for end-stage respiratory diseases.
The team’s innovative approach included simulating standard clinical protocols while testing a novel "tubeless" ventilation system designed to reduce donor organ stress. Researchers plan to refine genetic editing techniques and anti-rejection therapies to extend transplant viability in future trials.
Ethical oversight was prioritized throughout the process, with multiple institutional reviews and full consent from the recipient’s family. The trial concluded after nine days per family request, demonstrating responsible research practices.
Lung xenotransplantation poses unique challenges due to the organ’s complex structure and exposure to airborne pathogens. China’s latest achievement builds on its growing leadership in the field, following last year’s successful gene-edited pig liver transplant into a living patient.
As global demand for organ transplants continues to outpace supply, this breakthrough underscores Asia’s expanding role in cutting-edge medical innovation.
