The initiative for consensus and standards in pig-to-human xenotransplantation in China

The global organ shortage is critically severe, with many patients at risk of life-threatening conditions due to the scarcity of suitable donor organs. Gene-edited porcine organs for human transplantation have emerged as a promising solution and a focus of scientific research. We urge all relevant parties in China to collaborate in establishing consensus and standards for xenotransplantation using genetically modified pigs to benefit patients worldwide.

The necessity of xenotransplantation

In China, thousands of patients await organ transplants each year, but severe donor shortages often lead to a long wait or even death. This critical supply-demand imbalance necessitates urgent solutions. Xenotransplantation using genetically modified porcine organs could be a breakthrough innovation, providing a stable and sustainable organ source that alleviates the crisis. Gene editing can remove porcine genes causing immune rejection and introduce human genes to improve compatibility and success rates. If successful, xenotransplantation may prolong the lives of recipients and give hope to thousands of patients. In addition, xenotransplantation could not only solve the shortage of organs but also promote biomedical technology development. Reinforcing this research will therefore enable China to narrow the gap in high-tech areas, encourage international cooperation, and promote related industries. All in all, xenotransplantation has been considered as a crucial advancement in transplant medicine, addressing significant challenges in the field.