Creating human-like blood vessels in pigs for organ transplants
Official title: Bioengineering strategies for exogenic organ production
Funded at Northstar Genomics, LLC · NIH-11066938 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to grow human-like blood vessels in pigs to help create organs for transplant, which could be a game-changer for people with serious health issues like heart failure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northstar Genomics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Eagan, United States) |
| Project start | May 25, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $279,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R41HL174447-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066938 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suffering from severe organ failure, particularly those who are currently on waiting lists for organ transplants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing organ failure or those who are ineligible for transplantation due to other health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to improve the process of generating human blood vessels within pigs, which could lead to the production of organs suitable for transplantation. By using advanced techniques like somatic cell nuclear transfer and gene editing, the researchers are exploring ways to create viable organs that can be used to treat patients with severe conditions like heart failure. The study focuses on enhancing the efficiency of these bioengineering methods to overcome the current limitations in organ availability for transplantation. If successful, this could provide a new source of organs for patients in need.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a limitless supply of organs for transplantation, significantly improving outcomes for patients with end-stage organ diseases.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using gene-edited pigs for organ production is innovative, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar bioengineering techniques, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
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Northstar Genomics, LLC
Eagan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garry, Daniel J. — Northstar Genomics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Garry, Daniel J.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.