Japan plans to make pig kidney transplants for humans a standard procedure by 2033

Japanese biotech startup PorMedTecThe Meiji University Institute for Organ Donation presented a plan to address the shortage of donor organs. The company intends to introduce into clinical practice operations for transplanting kidneys of genetically modified pigs into humans.

Schedule of testing and regulatory approval

The project roadmap is designed for several key stages:

• 2028: Start of the first clinical trials in Japan on the xenotransplantation of pig kidneys in humans.
• 2029-2030: Receiving conditional approval from Japanese government regulators.
• 2033: Introduction of operations into standard medical practice as a complete alternative to dialysis procedures.

Genetic modifications from eGenesis

To avoid immediate rejection of foreign tissue by the human immune system, researchers use cells from a US biotech company. eGenesis.

Pig DNA is inserted 69 genetic changes:

• Immune masking: Modifications change the structure of organ tissues, making them biocompatible with the human body.
• Virus removal: Endogenous pig retroviruses are completely cut out of the genome, which pose a potential danger to humans.

According to surgeons, the vascular system of these modified animals almost completely coincides with the anatomical structure of human blood vessels.

Practical experience and results in the United States

The technology has already demonstrated its viability in experimental operations in the United States. The fourth American patient with a transplanted modified kidney was able to safely live without dialysis 9 months (271 days). This gave him the time he needed to successfully transplant a human organ.