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Nearly 120,000 people are in need of healthy organ transplants in the United States alone. Twenty people pass away every day waiting for a viable organ to become available. The most dire need is for kidneys, with a waitlist over 88,000 people alone. What are scientists doing to try and fix this problem? It turns out, they may be turning to non-human sources.
What is Xenotransplantation?
Xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs from one species to another, has recently seen significant advancements. It is bringing hope that it could address the critical shortage of human organs for transplantation. The breakthroughs include the transplantation of genetically modified pig kidneys and hearts into humans, showcasing the potential of this technology. Cloning, gene editing, and improved infection control have paved the way for potential clinical trials, bringing the FDA closer to approving xenotransplantation.
Researchers believe that xenotransplantation could serve as a short-term solution to the organ shortage, acting as a bridge until more advanced technologies, such as 3-D organ bioprinting or organ regeneration, become widely available. Some envision a future where animal organs, particularly from pigs, could replace dialysis and heart devices, becoming as common as human organ transplants.
It would also remove the urgency behind most transplants. Currently, because donor organs are in such high demand, surgeries take place in a very tight window. With the nearly unlimited supply that modified animal organs offer, they could be scheduled. This would take the emergency-type costs out of the system, making it more efficient and affordable.
Challenges
Despite promising developments, challenges persist. They still need to work out the prevention of organ rejection, address ethical concerns, and ensure the safety of the procedure. The need for organ transplants is urgent. What this continued research does it give people a chance where before there was no other option.
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