India Sets Up Xenotransplantation Department as Pig-to-Human Transplants Advance

India Sets Up Xenotransplantation Department as Pig-to-Human Transplants Advance

India is taking steps to develop expertise in xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs, tissues or cells between different species. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi has established a dedicated Department of Xenotransplantation Sciences, while the Union health ministry is working on guidelines for the emerging field.

The development follows growing international interest in genetically modified pig organs. In the US, a gene-edited pig kidney kept 66-year-old Tim Andrews off dialysis for 271 days before he received a deceased-donor human kidney in January 2026. The case highlighted both the potential and challenges of using genetically modified animal organs in humans.

Researchers use genetic engineering, including CRISPR technology, to modify pigs so their organs are more compatible with the human immune system. Scientists are studying pig kidneys, hearts, livers and other organs as potential alternatives for patients facing shortages of human donors.

India's need is significant, with nearly 90,000 people on the national waiting list for major organs as of March 2026. Kidney transplants account for a major share of demand.

Xenotransplantation remains experimental and involves concerns including organ rejection, infections, immunosuppression, animal welfare, clinical trials and long-term monitoring. India is therefore focusing on developing a regulatory and scientific framework before wider clinical use.

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Published: 1h ago

cricket blog team

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