ANHUI, CHINA: In a groundbreaking medical milestone, doctors in China have reported that a 71-year-old patient survived for 171 days following a genetically modified pig liver transplant, marking the longest survival recorded in such a procedure to date.
The patient, who suffered from advanced liver failure and an inoperable tumor, had no human donor available when specialists at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University decided to perform the unprecedented surgery in May 2024. The liver was sourced from a gene-edited Diannan miniature pig, altered through 10 specific genetic modifications to reduce rejection risks and infections.
The pig liver functioned for 38 days, performing critical tasks such as bile production, metabolism, and blood clot regulation — proving that genetically engineered animal organs can sustain key physiological functions in humans, even if temporarily.
However, the organ was later removed due to xenotransplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (xTMA) — a complication involving abnormal blood clotting and vessel damage. Despite the removal, the patient continued to live for several months before succumbing to internal bleeding, not directly caused by the pig liver.
Medical experts hailed the operation as a breakthrough in xenotransplantation, emphasizing its potential to bridge the gap for patients awaiting human organ donors. Researchers believe that this success could pave the way for future emergency transplants, offering temporary life support until human organs become available.
While challenges such as immune rejection and long-term viability remain, the case has given scientists renewed optimism that gene-edited animal organs may one day help solve the global organ shortage crisis.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.