Health

Scientists Transplant Pig Lung into Human for First Time

Published AUG 25 2025

Story

Image credit: Unsplash

The Facts

Scientists at Guangzhou Medical University in China have successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig lung into a 39-year-old brain-dead male patient. The results, published in the journal Nature Medicine on Monday, mark the first documented pig-to-human lung xenotransplantation in medical history.
Nature
EuroNews
The transplanted lung from a six-gene-edited Chinese Bama Xiang pig maintained viability and functionality for 216 hours without signs of hyperacute rejection or infection. However, severe edema resembling primary graft dysfunction was observed at 24 hours.
Guardian
Nature
The Telegraph
The patient received extensive immunosuppressive treatment, including rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin, basiliximab, rituximab, eculizumab, tofacitinib, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and tapering steroids to prevent organ rejection.
CNN
Nature
Daily Mail
Antibody-mediated rejection appeared to contribute to xenograft damage on postoperative days three and six, with partial recovery observed by day nine before the experiment was terminated at the family's request.
Science News
Nature
The donor pig underwent six genetic modifications using CRISPR technology — with three pig genes silenced and three human genes inserted to reduce rejection — and was raised under strict biosecurity conditions to prevent pathogen exposure.
Daily Mail
El País
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), only up to 10% of the global need for organ transplants is being met. Meanwhile, approximately 13 people die daily in the United States while waiting for organ transplants.
WHO
Organ Donation Statistics

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The Spin

Techno-optimist narrative

This is a significant leap forward in solving the organ shortage crisis that kills thousands annually. The pig lung functioned for over nine days without immediate rejection, proving xenotransplantation can work in humans. Advanced genetic engineering successfully created a compatible organ that could save countless lives waiting for transplants.

Nature

Science

Techno-skeptic narrative

This experiment reveals significant limitations that make clinical application premature and potentially dangerous. Severe complications emerged within 24 hours, and progressive organ damage occurred despite heavy immunosuppression. These lungs cannot independently sustain patients. Much more research is needed before considering further human trials.

CNN

Guardian

STAT

Narrative C

Using pigs as biological organ banks treats sentient beings as disposable resources, not as individuals with intrinsic rights. The invasive breeding — genetic engineering, repeated surgeries, social isolation, and pathogen‑free confinement — inflicts considerable pain and distress, violating basic welfare principles. This commodification of life amplifies anthropocentric exploitation and reduces pigs to mere instruments.

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