What is Xenotransplantation?

By: Alfred Joseph Tector, MD, and Ruelle Champion

The first attempts at replacing failing human organs with animal organs happened at least 100 years ago. These surgeries are now called xenotransplantation and researchers are getting closer to helping people get off the organ transplant waitlist sooner. Most recently, Chinese scientists shared their attempt at the first pig-to-human lung transplant.

Closer to home, Dr. Tector, Miami Transplant Institute (MTI) surgeon and University of Miami Miller School of Medicine professor of transplant surgery, is trailblazing xenotransplantation research in South Florida.

“I’ve been interested in this research since before I can remember,” said Dr. Tector. “We’ve created the foundation for xenotransplantation at our lab.” His goal is to give patients and their families hope by widening the availability of organs so there are shorter waitlist times.

Dr. Tector and his research team launched the starting point for xenotransplantation of pig kidneys from his baseline of genetic modifications. The genetically modified pigs are meant to produce kidneys that can function in place of a failing human organ. Through advanced gene editing and other techniques, the team has worked for more than 10 years to make pig kidneys more similar to human kidneys.

As the research team improves the gene modifying process, the new organ is less likely to be rejected by the patient. In June, Dr. Tector’s team extensively tested a new pig prototype and is now applying for approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to take the next step in their research: applying to start accepting patients for xenotransplantation at MTI.

Once Dr. Tector’s xenotransplantation lab starts working with patients, the pig organ could be used as a stopgap solution for those waiting on a viable human organ. The pig organ would function temporarily while the patient waits for a compatible human organ. Eventually, the pig organ would be used completely in place of a human organ. It’s the ultimate goal for Dr. Tector and his team, to give patient’s a new path to healing.

To learn more about Miami Transplant Institute, an affiliation between Jackson Health System and UHealth – University of Miami Health System, click here.