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Scientists in China have successfully derived embryonic stem cell-like cells from pig skin and bone marrow cells. This increases the possibility of breeding pigs whose organs are suitable for transplanting into humans while lowering the possibility of immune rejection.
Prof Chris Mason, Professor of Regenerative Medicine, University College London, said:
“This breakthrough to produce pig stem cells potentially reinvigorates the quest to grow humanised pig organs such as pancreases for diabetics and kidneys for chronic renal failure. The clinical use of humanised porcine tissues and organs (xenografts) has moved a long way forward in recent months with successful small-scale clinical trials for the treatment of diabetes by Living Cell Technology in Australia. Whilst the xenograft approach may not necessarily be the long-term solution, it may represent a major step change in the treatment of organ failure, which potentially could deliver real benefit to millions of patients within a decade.”