Breeding genetically-modified pigs for human kidneys

Dr Ayares cradles a genetically-modified piglet at the research farm, noting that these piglets are very high-value animals as millions of US dollars has gone into the research to make their kidneys suitable for humans. — AFP

On a farm in the southern American state of Virginia, Dr David Ayares and his research teams are breeding genetically-modified pigs to transplant their organs into human patients.

Revivicor, the biotech company Dr Ayares leads, is at the forefront of xenotransplantation research – the implantation of animal organs into humans – which aims to solve a chronic organ shortage that has thousands of Americans dying each year.