News Spotlight: Are pigs the answer to the transplant crisis?

Last year in the UK, 415 people died waiting for an organ transplant, and with over 7,500 on the UK Transplant Waiting List, it’s clear that urgent action is needed. Despite advances in medical technology and an opt-out organ donation system in place, the supply of donor organs continues to fall short of the demand.

But could a staple of the UK’s Sunday roast be a solution?

Across the Atlantic, scientists in the United States are making remarkable strides in xenotransplantation—the transplantation of organs from one species to another. One promising avenue involves gene-edited pigs, whose organs are being tested as a potential substitute for human organs in transplant patients.

Towana Looney, 53, has become the world’s longest-living recipient of a pig organ transplant, so far surviving an incredible 81 days with a genetically modified pig kidney. Her case highlights the extraordinary progress in the field of xenotransplantation, offering a glimpse of hope for the thousands in need of life-saving transplants.

So, could pig organs be the future of organ transplantation?

Pig-to-human transplants still pose huge challenges. While four other patients in the U.S. have also received pig organ transplants, none have lived beyond two months. Scientists continue to grapple with issues such as immune rejection, long-term organ function, and ethical concerns surrounding animal-to-human transplantation.

Beyond pig organs, researchers are exploring a range of solutions to address the global organ shortage. These include:

Stem cell technology, which could enable scientist to grow new organs tailored to individual patients

3D bioprinting, a revolutionary technique that aims to ‘print’ functional human organs using living cells

Artificial organs, such as mechanical hearts

Reviving cadaver organs, an alternative to live organ donation

We hope that many of these technologies are a success and can help alleviate the long transplant wait lists.

But what can we do right now?

In the UK, an opt-out organ donation system means that all adults are automatically considered potential donors unless they actively choose otherwise. However, family consent still plays a crucial role in the process. That’s why it’s essential to have conversations with your loved ones about your wishes – so that, if the time ever comes, they can make an informed decision on your behalf.

One organ donor can save up to eight lives!

The future of organ transplantation is evolving rapidly, but right now, the most immediate and impactful change comes from each of us—through awareness, advocacy, and open conversations about organ donation.

Would you be willing to give the gift of life?