Xenotransplantation
Xenotransplantation is a revolutionary technology that uses genetic engineering to develop animal organs and tissues compatible for human transplantation.
Through the genetic modification of pigs, Avantea contributes to the creation of innovative models for regenerative medicine, opening up new possibilities for patients waiting for a transplant.
Xenotransplantation represents one of the most advanced frontiers in regenerative medicine and could offer a concrete solution to the organ shortage for human transplants.
Examples of application
- Transplantation of pancreatic islets pigs → A possible solution for patients with type 1, with the production of cells capable of Regulate your blood sugar.
- Development of xenogenic heart valves → Avantea worked on the European project TRANSLINK to develop heart valves free of living cells, facilitating compatibility in human patients.
- Design of pigs with compatible organs → Elimination of porcine xenoantigens AlphaGAL, Neu5Gc, and Sda to reduce rejection and enhance the applicability of pig-to-human transplants.
Why is it important?
- Reduction of waiting lists for transplants → Pig is a reproducible resource and compatible for human transplantation.
- Minimization of rejection Changes → Genetic modifications help create more tolerable organs for the patient’s immune system.
- Progress in regenerative medicine → Transplantation of pig tissues and cells offers new possibilities for Treatment of diseases that are now incurable.
Avantea, thanks to its experience in biotechnology applied to animal genetics, is developing pigs with genetically modified organs which may be compatible with human transplantation, reducing the risk of rejection and infection.
Avantea not only contributes to the research and development of pig models for organ transplantation, but is also directly involved in innovative projects aimed at the production of tissues and cells for regenerative medicine.
The xenotransplantation process is It is carried out in three main phases:
01
Genetic modification of pigs
Production of genetically modified pigs to eliminate the risk of rejection and infection by improving immunological compatibility with humans.
02
Production of xenogenic organs and tissues
Development of heart valves and pancreatic islets derived from pigs for the treatment of chronic diseases.
03
Participation in European and international projects
Collaboration with scientific institutions to accelerate the adoption of xenotransplantation as a alternative to human transplants.
The aim is to create a sustainable alternative to human organ donation, reducing waiting times for patients on transplant lists and opening new frontiers in regenerative medicine.