It is unlikely that animal-to-human transplantation will be successful in the near future, but experts say it could be so within 30-40 years.

The process of xenotransplantation dates back to the 17th century, when attempts were made to use animal blood for transfusions. In the absence of human organs, scientists started studying non-human primates like monkeys, chimpanzees, and baboons, as well as pigs.&nbsp;

The experiments on pigs have shown more positive results since their organs are comparable to humans.

In spite of this, animal-to-human transplants have yet to attain lasting success, since the animal organ is always at risk of rejection by the human body.&nbsp;

Recent xenotransplantation cases

In January, doctors in the US successfully transplanted a genetically-modified pig heart into 57-year-old David Bennett, who suffered from terminal heart disease.&nbsp;

In the weeks following surgery, the transplanted heart performed well without showing any signs of rejection. While recovering the patient spent time with his family and participated in physical therapy for strength building.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-months-after-historic-transplant-first-person-to-receive-gene-edited-pig-heart-dies-460677">Two months after historic transplant, first person to receive gene-edited pig heart dies</a>

Unfortunately, he passed away two months later.

Was organ rejection a factor?

Bennett may or may not have died from organ rejection.

Researchers have pointed out that early, positive outcomes don't necessarily indicate long-term success in xenotransplantation procedures.

One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming the immunological barriers that cause the immune system to reject pig organs, the doctors said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/patient-in-ground-breaking-heart-transplant-has-a-violent-criminal-record-444681">Patient in ground-breaking heart transplant has a violent criminal record</a>

Yet several recent xenotransplants have only involved pigs.&nbsp;

Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the US have successfully transplanted pig kidneys into a brain-dead human, and the transplants weren't rejected.

An American Journal of Transplantation study published in September 2021 described the transplantation of a brain-dead patient's kidneys from a gene-edited pig. A similar surgery was performed at NYU Langone Health, New York, in October.

How come only pig organs were used in the process?

Pigs have been the focus of research for more than two decades because of physiological similarities to humans, large litter sizes of 10 or more, short gestation periods of less than four months, and lower risks of transmission of infection than non-human primates.

Can doctors force the human body to accept animal organs?

It will definitely not be easy for long-term success to overcome the rejection process.

According to some experts, Xenotransplantation could be successful because animal organs can be made more compatible with the human body.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pigs-heart-transplanted-into-a-human-444001/embed" width="560"></iframe>

The near future looks bright for xenotransplantation. Doctors might be able to modify the immune system or rather balance the immune system so that the body accepts these organs as parts and doesn't reject them.

It is a rapidly expanding field. At the genetic level, we have come up with a method of containing or covering those cells that can lead to the rejection of these organs. In addition, as cell technology develops, scientists can modify the DNA that becomes a part of our body. This should lead to much more successful treatments in the near future.

Ethical dilemmas

Many ethical concerns have also been raised about the use of animal organs for humans.

PETA India's science policy advisor, Dr Ankita Pandey, says more awareness is needed to solve the organ shortage, not more animals.

"Animal-to-human transplants are nothing more than vanity projects that seek to grab sensational headlines, and they are fraught with danger," she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

It is unlikely that animal-to-human transplantation will be successful in the near future, but experts say it could be so within 30-40 years. The process of xenotransplantation dates back to the 17th century, when attempts were made to use animal blood for transfusions.

It is unlikely that animal-to-human transplantation will be successful in the near future, but experts say it could be so within 30-40 years. The process of xenotransplantation dates back to the 17th century, when attempts were made to use animal blood for transfusions. In the absence of human organs, scientists started studying non-human primates like monkeys, chimpanzees, and baboons, as well as pigs. The experiments on pigs have shown more positive results since their organs are comparable to humans. In spite of this, animal-to-human transplants have yet to attain lasting success, since the animal organ is always at risk of rejection by the human body. Recent xenotransplantation cases In January, doctors in the US successfully transplanted a genetically-modified pig heart into 57-year-old David Bennett, who suffered from terminal heart disease. In the weeks following surgery, the transplanted heart performed well without showing any signs of rejection. While recovering the patient spent time with his family and participated in physical therapy for strength building. Also read | Two months after historic transplant, first person to receive gene-edited pig heart dies Unfortunately, he passed away two months later. Was organ rejection a factor? Bennett may or may not have died from organ rejection. Researchers have pointed out that early, positive outcomes don't necessarily indicate long-term success in xenotransplantation procedures. One of the biggest challenges has been overcoming the immunological barriers that cause the immune system to reject pig organs, the doctors said. Also read | Patient in ground-breaking heart transplant has a violent criminal record Yet several recent xenotransplants have only involved pigs. Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the US have successfully transplanted pig kidneys into a brain-dead human, and the transplants weren't rejected. An American Journal of Transplantation study published in September 2021 described the transplantation of a brain-dead patient's kidneys from a gene-edited pig. A similar surgery was performed at NYU Langone Health, New York, in October. How come only pig organs were used in the process? Pigs have been the focus of research for more than two decades because of physiological similarities to humans, large litter sizes of 10 or more, short gestation periods of less than four months, and lower risks of transmission of infection than non-human primates. Can doctors force the human body to accept animal organs? It will definitely not be easy for long-term success to overcome the rejection process. According to some experts, Xenotransplantation could be successful because animal organs can be made more compatible with the human body. The near future looks bright for xenotransplantation. Doctors might be able to modify the immune system or rather balance the immune system so that the body accepts these organs as parts and doesn't reject them. It is a rapidly expanding field. At the genetic level, we have come up with a method of containing or covering those cells that can lead to the rejection of these organs. In addition, as cell technology develops, scientists can modify the DNA that becomes a part of our body. This should lead to much more successful treatments in the near future. Ethical dilemmas Many ethical concerns have also been raised about the use of animal organs for humans. PETA India's science policy advisor, Dr Ankita Pandey, says more awareness is needed to solve the organ shortage, not more animals. "Animal-to-human transplants are nothing more than vanity projects that seek to grab sensational headlines, and they are fraught with danger," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Explainer: Xenotransplantation - Will animal-to-human organ transplant succeed in the near future?

The first person to receive gene-edited heart of a pig has died two months after getting a historic transplant.

The procedure raised hopes that advances in cross-species organ donation could one day solve the chronic shortage of human organs available for donation, and the team behind the operation say they still remain optimistic about its future success.

David Bennett, 57, had received his transplant on January 7 and passed away March 8, the University of Maryland Medical System said in a statement.

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His condition began deteriorating several days ago, the hospital said in a statement on Wednesday, adding that Bennett was given "compassionate palliative care" after it became clear that he would not recover.

Bennett was able to communicate with his family during his final hours, the hospital said.

"He proved to be a brave and noble patient who fought all the way to the end. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family," said Bartley Griffith, the surgeon who led the procedure.

Bennett’s doctors said he had heart failure and an irregular heartbeat, plus a history of not complying with medical instructions.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/patient-in-ground-breaking-heart-transplant-has-a-violent-criminal-record-444681">Also read |&nbsp;Patient in ground-breaking heart transplant has a violent criminal record</a>

Bennett’s son praised the hospital for offering the last-ditch experiment, saying the family hoped it would help further efforts to end the organ shortage.

“We are grateful for every innovative moment, every crazy dream, every sleepless night that went into this historic effort,” David Bennett Jr. said in a statement released by the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “We hope this story can be the beginning of hope and not the end.”

Bennett first came to UMMC as a patient in October and was placed on a heart-lung bypass machine to keep him alive, but he was deemed ineligible for a conventional heart transplant.

After Bennett was implanted with a pig heart that had been genetically modified to prevent rejection in a first-of-its-kind surgery, his son called the procedure "a miracle."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/in-a-first-two-kidneys-from-genetically-modified-pig-transplanted-into-brain-dead-man-446320">Also read |&nbsp;In a first, two kidneys from genetically modified pig transplanted into brain dead man</a>

The surgery, performed by a team at the hospital, was among the first to demonstrate the feasibility of a pig-to-human heart transplant, a field made possible by new gene editing tools. For Bennett, the procedure was his last option.

"Before consenting to receive the transplant, Mr. Bennett was fully informed of the procedure's risks, and that the procedure was experimental with unknown risks and benefits," the hospital said.

"We have gained invaluable insights learning that the genetically modified pig heart can function well within the human body while the immune system is adequately suppressed," said Muhammad Mohiuddin, director of the university's cardiac xenotransplantation program.

"We remain optimistic and plan on continuing our work in future clinical trials."

Reporting in US media also revealed Bennett was convicted of stabbing a man several times in 1988, leaving the victim paralysed and needing to use a wheelchair before he died in 2005.

Medical ethicists hold that a person's past criminal history should have no bearing on their future health treatment.

Pigs have long been a tantalising source of potential transplants because their organs are so similar to humans.

Prior efforts at pig-to-human transplants had failed because of genetic differences that caused organ rejection or viruses that posed an infection risk.

(With inputs from agencies)

The first person to receive gene-edited heart of a pig has died two months after getting a historic transplant. The procedure raised hopes that advances in cross-species organ donation could one day solve the chronic shortage of human organs available for donation, and the team behind the operation say they still remain optimistic about its future success.

The first person to receive gene-edited heart of a pig has died two months after getting a historic transplant. The procedure raised hopes that advances in cross-species organ donation could one day solve the chronic shortage of human organs available for donation, and the team behind the operation say they still remain optimistic about its future success. David Bennett, 57, had received his transplant on January 7 and passed away March 8, the University of Maryland Medical System said in a statement. His condition began deteriorating several days ago, the hospital said in a statement on Wednesday, adding that Bennett was given "compassionate palliative care" after it became clear that he would not recover. Bennett was able to communicate with his family during his final hours, the hospital said. "He proved to be a brave and noble patient who fought all the way to the end. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family," said Bartley Griffith, the surgeon who led the procedure. Bennett’s doctors said he had heart failure and an irregular heartbeat, plus a history of not complying with medical instructions. Also read | Patient in ground-breaking heart transplant has a violent criminal record Bennett’s son praised the hospital for offering the last-ditch experiment, saying the family hoped it would help further efforts to end the organ shortage. “We are grateful for every innovative moment, every crazy dream, every sleepless night that went into this historic effort,” David Bennett Jr. said in a statement released by the University of Maryland School of Medicine. “We hope this story can be the beginning of hope and not the end.” Bennett first came to UMMC as a patient in October and was placed on a heart-lung bypass machine to keep him alive, but he was deemed ineligible for a conventional heart transplant. After Bennett was implanted with a pig heart that had been genetically modified to prevent rejection in a first-of-its-kind surgery, his son called the procedure "a miracle." Also read | In a first, two kidneys from genetically modified pig transplanted into brain dead man The surgery, performed by a team at the hospital, was among the first to demonstrate the feasibility of a pig-to-human heart transplant, a field made possible by new gene editing tools. For Bennett, the procedure was his last option. "Before consenting to receive the transplant, Mr. Bennett was fully informed of the procedure's risks, and that the procedure was experimental with unknown risks and benefits," the hospital said. "We have gained invaluable insights learning that the genetically modified pig heart can function well within the human body while the immune system is adequately suppressed," said Muhammad Mohiuddin, director of the university's cardiac xenotransplantation program. "We remain optimistic and plan on continuing our work in future clinical trials." Reporting in US media also revealed Bennett was convicted of stabbing a man several times in 1988, leaving the victim paralysed and needing to use a wheelchair before he died in 2005. Medical ethicists hold that a person's past criminal history should have no bearing on their future health treatment. Pigs have long been a tantalising source of potential transplants because their organs are so similar to humans. Prior efforts at pig-to-human transplants had failed because of genetic differences that caused organ rejection or viruses that posed an infection risk. (With inputs from agencies)

Two months after historic transplant, first person to receive gene-edited pig heart dies

Doctors in Alabama successfully transplanted a pair of kidneys from a genetically modified pig into a brain dead man.&nbsp;

The operation was conducted at the University of Alabama in the United States. The man named Jim Parsons, 57, was declared brain dead after he suffered a bike accident in September last year.

Parsons family gave the go-ahead to the doctors to conduct the operation as the patient's kidneys were removed and two kidneys from a genetically modified pig were embedded into his body.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-first-man-gets-genetically-modified-pig-heart-in-transplant-443747">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;In a first, man gets genetically modified pig heart in transplant</a>

Reports said the transplanted kidneys began to function immediately after the operation was conducted.

Earlier this month surgeons had successfully transplanted a &nbsp;genetically modified pig's heart into a man. David Bennett became the first man to undergo the unique heart transplant.

Watch: Pig's heart transplanted into a human

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pigs-heart-transplanted-into-a-human-444001/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Bennett's son called the operation a "miracle" &nbsp;as a team of surgeons at the University of Maryland conducted the operation on January 7.

The operation demonstrated the success of pig-to-human heart transplants as doctors cheered amid a shortage of donor organs.

According to reports, there are 100,000 US citizens waiting for organ donations currently.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

Doctors in Alabama successfully transplanted a pair of kidneys from a genetically modified pig into a brain dead man. The operation was conducted at the University of Alabama in the United States.

Doctors in Alabama successfully transplanted a pair of kidneys from a genetically modified pig into a brain dead man. The operation was conducted at the University of Alabama in the United States. The man named Jim Parsons, 57, was declared brain dead after he suffered a bike accident in September last year. Parsons family gave the go-ahead to the doctors to conduct the operation as the patient's kidneys were removed and two kidneys from a genetically modified pig were embedded into his body. Also Read: In a first, man gets genetically modified pig heart in transplant Reports said the transplanted kidneys began to function immediately after the operation was conducted. Earlier this month surgeons had successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig's heart into a man. David Bennett became the first man to undergo the unique heart transplant. Watch: Pig's heart transplanted into a human Bennett's son called the operation a "miracle" as a team of surgeons at the University of Maryland conducted the operation on January 7. The operation demonstrated the success of pig-to-human heart transplants as doctors cheered amid a shortage of donor organs. According to reports, there are 100,000 US citizens waiting for organ donations currently. (With inputs from Agencies)

In a first, two kidneys from genetically modified pig transplanted into brain dead man

A man in the United States has now become the first person in the world to get a heart transplant from a genetically modified pig. It was a bit of a do-or-die situation, that prompted the American medical regulator to grant permission for this experimental surgery.

United States: First pig to human heart transplant, a game-changer for organ transplants