IN A paper published in the Journal of Hepatology this month, doctors in China reported transplanting a genetically modified pig liver into a 71-year-old man, who lived for 171 days afterwards.

In the past, some scientists have transplanted genetically modified pig kidneys and hearts into humans, although some have expressed concerns about the complicated process of using the liver, given its larger size and dual blood supply and multiple functions.

“Everyone always says, ‘liver is too complicated to transplant, compared to the heart or kidney,’ but after this, in the future, I think people will think differently,” said Dr Beicheng Sun, president of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University and a co-author of the study.

The transplant seemed successful at first, although there were some complications throughout the first month, until the doctors decided his liver could function on its own and the pig’s organ was removed.

However, by day 135, the man developed upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which led to his death after the procedure.

According to Dr Heiner Wedemeyer, who co-authored an editorial that was published alongside the study, the research offers important insights into the feasibility of such a transplant of future patients.

“A pig liver gives us completely new opportunities, and that can really be promising for patients.”

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