eGenesis Announces World’s First Successful Transplant of
Genetically Engineered Porcine Kidney in a Living Patient

Human compatible donor organs developed by eGenesis offer a potentially viable alternative to end waitlist mortality and alleviate the shortage of transplantable organs.

In a groundbreaking development that could revolutionize organ transplantation, eGenesis, a biotechnology company dedicated to addressing the global organ shortage crisis, has announced the successful transplantation of a genetically engineered porcine kidney into a living human recipient. This historic procedure, authorized by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and performed at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), represents a significant step forward in the quest to alleviate the critical shortage of transplantable organs worldwide.

The patient who underwent the transplant was suffering from end-stage renal disease, a life-threatening condition for which transplantation is often the best treatment option. With traditional therapeutic options exhausted and facing the loss of vascular access required for dialysis, the patient lacked other viable alternatives. However, thanks to the innovative approach spearheaded by eGenesis, the patient received a genetically engineered porcine kidney, offering hope for improved quality of life and outcomes.

The kidney used in the transplant, known as EGEN-2784, underwent several key genetic modifications to ensure compatibility and prevent rejection by the recipient’s immune system. These modifications included the knockout of genes involved in hyperacute rejection, the insertion of human transgenes to regulate pathways related to rejection and inflammation, and the inactivation of endogenous retroviruses in the porcine genome. Without these edits, a porcine kidney would be promptly rejected by a human recipient.

eGenesis is pioneering the development of organs with these advanced genetic modifications to enhance safety and efficacy. The success of this procedure underscores the potential of genetically engineered organs to address the organ shortage crisis and save countless lives. By providing a potentially viable alternative to traditional organ donation, eGenesis aims to eliminate the barrier of organ supply and prevent waitlist mortality.

Collaboration has been key to the success of this groundbreaking achievement, with eGenesis partnering with leading institutions like MGH to advance the field of transplantation. The rigorous collaboration between eGenesis, MGH, and regulatory agencies like the FDA has paved the way for this historic milestone. Furthermore, the courage and generosity of the patient who underwent the procedure cannot be overstated, as they have contributed to scientific progress and offered hope to individuals worldwide grappling with organ failure.

The transplantation of a genetically engineered porcine kidney into a human recipient represents a significant milestone in the field of transplantation and offers hope for addressing the global organ shortage crisis. Through innovative genetic modifications and collaborative efforts, eGenesis and its partners have demonstrated the potential of engineered organs to transform the landscape of transplantation and save lives. As research and technology continue to advance, the future holds promise for further breakthroughs in organ transplantation, bringing hope to countless individuals in need of life-saving treatments.

Source – eGenesis