CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores how pigs might help solve the worldwide shortage of human organs for transplantation through a process called xenotransplantation, which means transplanting organs from one species to another.
Pigs are considered good donors because their organs are similar in size and function to human organs. However, differences between pig and human biology must be addressed to make these transplants safe and effective.
Recent scientific advances have made this possibility closer to reality. Researchers have used gene-editing technology to modify pigs so their organs are less likely to be rejected by the human immune system.
They remove or turn off pig genes that cause immune reactions and add human genes to make the organs more compatible. For example, scientists have successfully “knocked out” pig genes that trigger rejection and eliminated pig viruses that could infect humans.
In 2022, the first transplant of a gene-edited pig heart into a human was performed in the United States. The patient survived for about two months, showing that the procedure can work but still faces challenges like immune rejection and complications.
Similarly, gene-edited pig kidneys have been transplanted into brain-dead and living human patients, with the pig kidneys functioning normally for some time. In 2025, Chinese researchers reported the first successful transplant of a gene-edited pig liver into a brain-dead human, marking a major milestone in the field.
Despite these breakthroughs, xenotransplantation faces important hurdles. Scientists must continue to improve gene editing to reduce immune rejection and prevent the risk of diseases spreading from pigs to humans, known as xenozoonosis.
Ethical questions also arise, such as animal welfare, patient safety, and fair access to these organs. Still, the potential benefits are huge, as many patients die waiting for human organs.
Experts believe that with ongoing research and careful ethical oversight, pig organ transplants could become a common treatment in the future. This would save countless lives by providing a steady supply of organs for patients with failing hearts, kidneys, livers, and more.
In conclusion, gene-edited pig organs offer a promising solution to the global organ shortage. While challenges remain, scientific and ethical progress is steadily bringing xenotransplantation from the lab to the clinic, offering hope to millions in need of life-saving transplants.
