Ciencia, cerdos y dinero: la carrera entre EE UU y China por hacer viables los trasplantes de animales a humanos

In the race for viable animal-to-human organ transplants, the United States and China are the frontrunners. Following a year when a Russian president's open mic discussion illustrated modern humans' faith in science and technology, the concept of transplanting human organs has become increasingly fascinating. However, the challenge is immense.

Donor organs are scarce, and even when donated, immune systems often reject them. This is where xenotransplants, or transplants from animals, come in. Initially attempted since 1906, xenotransplants have faced immense obstacles. It wasn't until 2022 that a genetically edited pig heart was successfully implanted into a patient and survived for two months.

The competition to create genetically modified pigs for organ donation is led by the United States and China. Successful xenotransplantation would revolutionize medicine, with the potential for millions in revenue. Tim Andrews, who received genetically modified pig kidneys, is a recent example of progress. Despite initial rejection, Andrews lived without dialysis for nine months before receiving a compatible human kidney.

Major companies in the United States, such as eGenesis and Revivicor, are making strides in the field, with FDA approval for ongoing trials. China's ClonOrgan and a hospital in the Anhui University of Medicine have also achieved significant milestones, including a successful pig liver transplant. However, experts warn that much work remains to refine genetic manipulation and immunosuppression techniques, as these transplants remain experimental. Despite the challenges, the future of xenotransplantation appears promising.