eGenesis, a biotech startup, recently made a groundbreaking achievement by successfully transplanting a gene-edited kidney from a pig into a living patient. This milestone has provided hope for the thousands of individuals on organ transplant waiting lists, with the potential to address the shortage of donor organs. The company’s CEO, Mike Curtis, expressed that this accomplishment signals just the beginning of their efforts and plans to expand their gene-editing technology to include kidney, liver, and heart transplants in clinical trials within the next two years.
The patient who received the pig kidney transplant was a 62-year-old man whose previous kidney transplants had failed. The procedure was carried out under the FDA’s “Expanded Access” program, allowing patients with life-threatening conditions to undergo experimental treatments. Despite the success of the operation, transplant surgeon Jamil Azzi emphasizes the importance of collecting more data to determine the longevity of the transplanted organs in human patients. Previous experiments involving pig kidneys and hearts in brain-dead donors have shown promise, but further research is necessary to ensure the procedure’s safety and effectiveness.
Gene editing played a crucial role in ensuring that the pig kidney would not be rejected by the recipient’s immune system. By modifying the donor pig’s genes to incorporate human genes and remove pig genes, eGenesis was able to create a compatible organ for transplantation. While the risk of unintended genetic alterations, known as “off-target” edits, exists, advancements in genome sequencing have enabled the company to detect such changes and minimize their impact on the transplant outcomes.
In addition to kidney transplants, eGenesis is also focusing on editing pig livers and hearts for future human transplants. The company aims to file an application with the FDA for gene-edited livers and commence clinical trials by the end of the year. Their heart program targets pediatric patients who require a temporary solution until they can receive a human heart transplant. By utilizing genetically modified pig organs, eGenesis hopes to significantly reduce the mortality rate among children waiting for heart transplants.
Looking ahead, the company envisions producing organs in pigs that do not necessitate immunosuppression drugs for transplant recipients. This innovation could enhance patient outcomes by preventing infections and reducing the risk of cancer associated with long-term drug regimens. Co-founder George Church highlights the potential for creating “enhanced organs” through genetic engineering, such as organs resistant to pathogens or aging. These advancements underscore the transformative impact of genetic editing on organ transplantation and future medical treatments.
As eGenesis continues to progress towards broader clinical trials and expanding their research initiatives, the company acknowledges the need for additional funding and resources. Curtis emphasized the importance of scaling up their operations and securing additional capital to support their advancements in organ transplantation. The successful kidney transplant serves as a validation of their approach and sets the stage for the development of gene-edited organs for liver and heart transplants. With a long-term vision of revolutionizing organ transplantation, eGenesis remains at the forefront of gene editing technology in the medical field.
