China Plans Further Pig Lung Xenotransplant Trials
Beijing, August 28, 2025, 05:11 PM PKT – China Plans Further Pig Lung Xenotransplant Trials Chinese scientists announced plans for additional pig-to-human lung xenotransplant trials on August 28, 2025, following the world’s first successful transplant of a genetically modified pig lung into a brain-dead patient, reported in Nature Medicine. The procedure, conducted in May 2024, saw the lung function for nine days. Professor He Jianxing, lead researcher at Guangzhou Medical University, told NEN, “We aim to refine genetic edits for safer clinical trials.” The initial transplant used a Bama pig with six CRISPR edits to reduce immune rejection, but challenges like fluid buildup persisted. New trials will target living patients by 2026 . The initiative addresses the global organ shortage, with 8,236 transplants performed worldwide in 2024 against a much higher demand. Clonorgan Biotechnology will supply pigs with enhanced gene edits to minimize rejection risks. “This is a game-changer,” said a health official. Stay updated at nenagency.