In a medical breakthrough, scientists in China have successfully transplanted a pig lung into a human for the first time. The experimental procedure was carried out on a brain-dead patient, who was kept on life support for nine days, marking a global first in xenotransplantation — the use of organs from other species.

The achievement, published in Nature, builds on earlier experiments involving pig kidneys, livers, and thymus glands, genetically modified to reduce the risk of rejection. While most such procedures remain experimental, only one patient who received a pig kidney transplant is currently still alive.

Why Pigs?

Pigs are considered suitable candidates for xenotransplantation because their organs are similar to human ones in both size and function. However, lung transplants are especially challenging, even between humans, due to the organ’s sensitivity during removal and implantation, and the high number of immune cells that can trigger fatal complications like thrombosis.

Details of the Case

The trial involved a 39-year-old man who had been declared brain-dead after a cerebral hemorrhage. In May 2024, doctors at Guangzhou Medical University replaced his left lung with one supplied by Chengdu ClonOrgan Biotechnology. To minimize immune rejection, scientists deactivated three pig genes and added three human ones.

The transplanted lung began functioning immediately, supplying oxygen and removing carbon dioxide. However, it developed swelling within 24 hours due to an immune response. By the ninth day, damage had worsened, and the organ was removed for study. Life support was then discontinued at the request of the patient’s family.

Next Steps

The findings suggest that further genetic modifications to donor pigs will be necessary to suppress immune reactions and prevent clotting. Experts believe more trials on brain-dead patients will be required before clinical studies in living patients can begin.

Every year, around 3,500 lung transplants are performed in the United States, but more than 900 patients remain on waiting lists. Scientists hope xenotransplantation could one day help address the global shortage of donor organs.