Xenotransplantation, the science of transplanting animal organs into humans, has seen significant advancements in recent years thanks to gene editing and cloning technologies

Surgeons at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore have successfully completed a heart transplant procedure involving a genetically modified pig and a man suffering from terminal heart disease, New York Times reported on Friday.

This marks the second such operation performed by the surgical team, with the first patient, David Bennett, experiencing a promising outcome, though he unfortunately passed away two months after the transplant.

The recipient of this procedure is Lawrence Faucette, a 58-year-old Navy veteran and father of two from Frederick, Maryland. Faucette’s health had deteriorated to the point where he had been rejected from all human donor organ transplant programs due to his complex medical conditions.

Dr. Bartley Griffith provides patient insights after historic first successful transplant of porcine heart into adult human. https://t.co/h2GsyFC4t2 #pigheart #xenotransplant pic.twitter.com/TLBS7kyZfM

— University of Maryland School of Medicine (@UMmedschool) January 11, 2022

Before undergoing the transplant, Faucette expressed his hope and determination, stating, “At least now I have hope and I have a chance. I will fight tooth and nail for every breath I can take.”

The surgery was led by Dr Bartley Griffith, who had also operated on the first patient. Dr Muhammad Mohiuddin of the University of Maryland School of Medicine designed the protocol.

While the first patient’s case raised concerns about potential complications, including the presence of a virus in the pig heart, the medical center ensured rigorous testing of the pig used in Faucette’s transplant. Hospital officials conducted tests for the porcine cytomegalovirus and antibodies, using an advanced assay that was not available at the time of the first transplant.

Xenotransplantation, the science of transplanting animal organs into humans, has seen significant advancements in recent years thanks to gene editing and cloning technologies. These innovations hold promise for the thousands of Americans with end-stage organ diseases who face a severe shortage of human donor organs.

The heart transplanted into Faucette underwent ten genetic modifications to make it more compatible with the human immune system. Three pig genes that typically trigger rapid rejection were removed, while six human genes were inserted to facilitate organ acceptance. Another pig gene responsible for heart growth was deactivated to prevent the organ from growing excessively.

The genetically altered pig was provided by Revivicor, a subsidiary of United Therapeutics Corporation. Before the transplant, the pig underwent screening for viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

The Food and Drug Administration granted emergency approval for the transplant under the “compassionate use” process, which permits experimental procedures for patients with life-threatening conditions.

Faucette is receiving an experimental antibody therapy called tegoprubart from Eledon Pharmaceuticals to suppress immune responses. Conventional immunosuppressive drugs are also being administered to prevent organ rejection.

Faucette and his wife, Ann, are cautiously optimistic about their future together, cherishing the hope of spending more time together, even if it’s as simple as sitting on the front porch and sharing a cup of coffee.

Also read: Genetically modified pig kidneys show promise for transplants