Pig to human organ transplant will be possible in the next few years. Latest updates on xenotransplantation, the use of cells, tissues, or organs from one animal to another, are clearly stating that the process will be available in clinical practice very soon. In 2010, it Dr Glenn Westal from Melbourne Australia stated that pig's lungs can be used in human transplants.

Recently, scientists from Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute at The University of Pittsburgh wrote a research paper on xenotransplantation and the possibility of the pig-to-human heart transfer in the near future.

“With new genetically modified pigs becoming available that are likely to improve the outcome of cellular and corneal xenotransplantation further, we believe that clinical trials will be justified within the next 2-3 years," write the scientist in the conclusion of the paper.

"No safety concerns that would prohibit such clinical trials have been reported...With regard to pig tissues and cells, as opposed to organs, it would seem that clinical xenotransplantation could soon become a reality.”

Why Pig And Not Other Animals?

Pigs have genetically modified genes that protect their organs, cells, and tissues from attacks of the human immune system. Research and experiments have been conducted to non human primates in transferring pig’s organs, tissues, or cells. Though these primates were not able to survive for a very long time with pigs organs, they were able to extend lives due to the transplant. For instance, an implanted pig heart can survive for about 8 months – long enough to save lives while looking for permanent treatments.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pig Transplants

The main advantage of pig to human transplant is the fact that it can be used as temporary treatments for life threatening situations. It takes a lot of time to find an organ donor that will exactly match the patient’s organ.

Probably, pig transplantation is more affordable compared to live person donor. However, it is still preferred to receive organs from real human than from pigs.

Another disadvantage can be the parasitic and other bacteria from pig’s organs, cells, and tissues. A lot of studies and research are still needed to make sure that the transplant will be affective. But the hardest part would be to convince people to receive organs from their pig donors.