Safer pig organs for people who need transplants
Core-002
['FUNDING_P01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11462787
This project uses precise gene edits in pigs to make their organs less likely to be rejected, aiming to help people who need transplants.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11462787 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you need a transplant, researchers are changing pig genes so pig organs match human immune systems better and last longer. They will remove pig molecules that human antibodies attack and add human protective proteins to kidney cells using CRISPR and site-specific gene additions. New lines of genetically modified pigs will be tested in primates and humanized mice to see if organs survive longer and if the immune system can be taught to accept them. Success could create a safer, more available supply of organs for patients who now wait years for a donor.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with end-stage organ failure—especially those awaiting kidney transplants—who may be candidates for future xenotransplant trials at specialized centers.
Not a fit: People who are not transplant candidates, need different types of treatment, or expect immediate access to pig organs today will not benefit from this lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could greatly increase the supply of transplantable organs and reduce rejection and long-term immune suppression if successful.
How similar studies have performed: Pig-to-primate transplant survival has improved over decades and a few recent compassionate-use pig organ transplants in humans showed promise, but engineering pigs for tolerance is still experimental and novel.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SYKES, MEGAN — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: SYKES, MEGAN
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 below.