Chasing Life How Far Are We from Animal Organs Saving Lives?
5 snips
Jun 24, 2025 Explore the fascinating field of xenotransplantation, where animal organs, particularly pig organs, are becoming viable for human use. Dr. Sanjay Gupta discusses groundbreaking advances like genetically engineered pig kidneys and their role in tackling the organ shortage crisis. The podcast dives into the compatibility of these organs with human cells, patient experiences, and ethical considerations. Discover how this cutting-edge technology might reshape the future of medicine and organ donation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Ghost Organs for Personalized Transplants
- Creating "ghost organs" involves removing pig cells from an organ and repopulating it with human cells.
- This technique promises personalized organs that minimize rejection and immunosuppression issues.
Patients Pioneer Pig Kidney Transplants
- Four living patients have received pig kidney transplants, with some surviving over 130 days.
- The first xenotransplant patients bravely advanced science by pioneering this new treatment.
Genetic Engineering Key to Success
- Pig organs are genetically engineered by removing and adding genes to better match human biology.
- This genetic engineering greatly enhances the success of xenotransplantation.