Pigs And The Prospects Of Xenotransplantation

When it comes to saving lives through human organ donation, America is in a crisis. According to the American Transplant Foundation, more than 114,000 people are on a waiting list for a vital organ transplant. Shockingly, the need is so great that another person is added to the national organ donation and transplant waiting list every 10 minutes. With the huge shortage of available organs, 20 people die each day waiting for an organ, helping people and families in need.

However, with the technological innovations happening in biomedicine, we are getting closer to finding a solution to the organ shortage.

What is Xenotransplantation?

Xenotransplantation is the transfer of nonhuman cells, tissues or organs into a human recipient. Xenotransplantation has been around since the 1950s and has been providing many different life-saving therapies around the world.

Of all the viable sources for nonhuman biological material, pigs are the best choice for many reasons. Pig organs are similar in size, shape, and function when compared to humans. Pigs also grow and mature at a fast rate, avoiding the problems of the donor shortage. Also, with current advancements in gene editing and genetic engineering, medical materials derived from pigs have an increased chance at being accepted in the human body. These groundbreaking advancements offer an increased likelihood of successful integration and functionality. 

While the discussion and study of pig xenotransplantation is still ongoing, it is important to note that many high quality porcine co-products are widely used throughout the world. From life-saving transplants, nutraceuticals and academic research, porcine materials play an important part in fighting diseases and restoring lives. By exploring the immense possibilities presented by these resources, we can unlock breakthrough solutions to improve healthcare outcomes.

At SSR, we are committed to our customer’s needs and will work with you on the perfect solution. We offer biomedical researchers, companies, and manufacturers a complete range of top-quality porcine materials and tissues. With SSR, the possibilities are endless. If you have any other questions about our products, services, or partnership opportunities, please contact us online.