A group of researchers from Nanjing Medical University issued an official statement. By the end of this year, genetically modified pigs should be born, which will provide doctors with a rich set of organs for transplantation
Clinical trials with animal organs are expected to begin in the next 2-3 years. According to research director Dai Yifan, the cornea and skin of a pig will most likely be selected for these tests. But it will take about five years to test the heart, kidneys and liver. The organs of pigs will be genetically altered to fit perfectly with humans. And hygienic processing and control will rid them of viruses and bacteria.
It is known that scientists took cells from ordinary pigs and worked with a gene that gives immune rejection when transplanted to humans. Then this already changed gene was transplanted back into the cells. And in early 2011, thousands of frozen cages taken from genetically modified pigs were brought to Nanjing.
Chinese scientists immediately began producing these pigs by cloning. “We isolate piglets from their mothers immediately after birth by caesarean section. They will be grown in a bacteria-free environment. Several quarantine checks will be carried out to confirm the quality of the organs,”Yifan said.
If the testing is successful, it will be possible to significantly reduce the cost of organ transplantation. A pig cornea, for example, will cost $ 1,500. The main problem is organ rejection during long-term use. Plus, we have to establish a system for raising pigs. Several hundred animals must be produced per year.