Key points from article :
eGenesis, a biotech company focused on xenotransplantation, has secured $191 million in funding to advance genetically edited pig kidneys for human transplantation into clinical trials. Their lead product, EGEN-2784, aims to tackle the growing demand for kidney transplants, particularly in the U.S., where over 90,000 people are on the waitlist, but only about 25,000 transplants occur annually. This significant funding will also expand the company’s research into other organs like the liver and heart.
Xenotransplantation involves transplanting organs from animals to humans, with pigs being ideal candidates due to their physiological similarity to humans. However, cross-species transplants carry the risk of organ rejection and viral transmission. eGenesis addresses these challenges through advanced genome editing, modifying pig organs to reduce rejection risks and prevent virus transmission. Their breakthrough occurred in 2024 with the first successful transplant of a genetically modified pig kidney into a human.
eGenesis’ genome edits involve removing specific molecules linked to rejection, adding human genes to regulate immune responses, and inactivating viruses within pig DNA. This cutting-edge technology could revolutionize organ transplantation, providing a much-needed solution to the global organ shortage crisis.
