In a groundbreaking medical feat, Chinese doctors have successfully performed the world’s first pig-to-human liver transplant, igniting optimism for addressing the global organ shortage crisis. The procedure, conducted at the Fourth Military Medical University in Xi’an, China, involved transplanting a genetically modified pig liver into a brain-dead human on March 10, 2024. Announced on March 26, 2025, this pioneering effort could pave the way for innovative solutions to save lives amid a growing demand for donor organs.
The liver came from a miniature pig engineered with six genetic modifications to enhance its compatibility with human physiology. Unlike previous pig-to-human transplants in the United States—where kidneys and hearts have been tested—this marked the first time a pig liver was placed inside a human body. The patient, whose identity remains confidential, retained their original liver, receiving the pig organ as an auxiliary transplant. This approach aims to act as a temporary “bridge” for patients awaiting human liver donations, supporting their failing organs during the critical wait.
The trial lasted 10 days, ending at the family’s request, and adhered to stringent ethical standards, the research team reported in the journal Nature. Over this period, the pig liver demonstrated promising functionality, secreting bile and producing albumin—a vital protein—while maintaining stable blood flow. Dr. Lin Wang, a co-author of the study, hailed the outcome as a “great achievement” during a press conference. “The liver functioned really well,” he noted, expressing hope that such advancements could one day transform treatment for liver disease patients.
Liver transplants pose unique challenges compared to other organs like hearts or kidneys. Livers perform complex tasks, including filtering blood, metabolizing substances like drugs, and aiding digestion through bile production. While the pig liver showed potential, it produced less bile and albumin than a healthy human liver, underscoring the need for further research. Dr. Wang emphasized that extending observation periods beyond 10 days and conducting trials in living patients are critical next steps.
The breakthrough has garnered international praise, though experts caution it’s not yet a substitute for human liver transplants. Peter Friend, a transplantation professor at Oxford University, described the results as “valuable and impressive,” but stressed that the technology is better suited as a supportive measure rather than a full replacement in the near future. Collaboration with U.S. researchers, who have conducted similar experiments, played a key role in this success. Dr. Wang acknowledged, “We’ve learned immensely from American efforts in this field.”
This milestone follows other pig-to-human transplant attempts. In 2024, U.S. scientists attached a pig liver to a brain-dead patient externally, while two pig heart recipients passed away. However, optimism persists with cases like Towana Looney, a 53-year-old Alabama resident thriving after a pig kidney transplant in November 2024. China’s latest stride suggests that gene-edited pig organs could soon offer a lifeline to the millions worldwide awaiting transplants. As research progresses, this fusion of biotechnology and medicine may redefine the future of organ donation, bridging the gap between supply and desperate demand.
