By Harshit | October 10, 2025 | Anhui, China | 8:00 AM CST
A Medical First: Pig Liver Transplant in a Living Human
Doctors in China have successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig liver into a 71-year-old man, marking a major milestone in xenotransplantation—the use of animal organs to treat human patients. The patient survived 171 days after the procedure, including 38 days with the pig liver in place, according to a study published in the Journal of Hepatology.
While gene-edited pig kidneys and hearts have previously been transplanted into humans, the liver’s complexity made this a significant challenge. Unlike kidneys and hearts, the liver has multiple vital functions: filtering toxins, producing bile, regulating blood sugar, and synthesizing proteins essential for blood clotting. Its dual blood supply and large size make transplantation more difficult.
Patient Background and Procedure
The patient had hepatitis B-related cirrhosis and a large tumor in the right lobe of his liver, which could not be treated effectively with targeted chemotherapy. Surgeons determined that the remaining liver tissue would be insufficient to sustain his metabolic needs. After no suitable human donors were available, the medical team opted for a gene-edited pig liver.
The pig used for the transplant was an 11-month-old clone with 10 genetic modifications designed to reduce the risk of rejection and infection. Doctors also administered immunosuppressive drugs to help the patient’s body accept the organ. The team removed the tumor and attached the pig liver to the remaining human liver tissue.
A Step Forward in Xenotransplantation
Dr. Beicheng Sun, co-author of the study and president of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, said: “Everyone always says, ‘liver is too complicated to transplant,’ but after this, in the future, people may think differently. With enough human genes in the pig, the liver could become a viable option.”
Experts note that this approach could serve as a bridge, helping patients survive until their own liver regenerates or a human donor becomes available. The study also underscores the potential of genetically engineered organs to address the global shortage of transplantable livers.
Global Implications
In the United States alone, more than 100,000 people are on organ transplant waiting lists, with over 9,000 waiting for a liver. Scientists have long explored alternative sources, including pigs, due to their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans.
Previous attempts at pig liver transplants involved brain-dead patients or external liver perfusion experiments. In March 2024, a pig liver was temporarily transplanted into a brain-dead patient in China without signs of immune rejection. The current case is the first to demonstrate a living patient surviving for over a month with a pig liver attached.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the success, experts caution that xenotransplantation is still experimental. Potential complications include organ rejection, infection, and long-term health effects. However, the procedure offers hope for patients facing liver failure when human donors are unavailable.
Dr. Sun added: “We need to have great respect for this patient and their family. They have made a unique contribution to the field, advancing our understanding of what is possible in organ transplantation.”
With continued research and advancements in genetic engineering, pig organs may become a life-saving option for thousands of patients worldwide.
Looking Ahead
This milestone suggests a future where xenotransplantation could bridge the gap between organ demand and availability, potentially saving lives of patients who would otherwise have no options. The medical community will continue to monitor outcomes, refine genetic modifications, and explore how to integrate animal organs safely into human care.
