Extracorporeal liver cross-circulation using transgenic xenogeneic pig livers with brain-dead human decedents

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Source: Nature Medicine

Original: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-04196-3...

Published: 2026-02-09

The research team successfully used a genetically modified pig liver in an extracorporeal cross-circulation system in four human brain-dead patients.[2][3] During the treatment, the pig liver temporarily took over the basic functions of the liver, including detoxification, synthesis and metabolism, while the patient's own liver remained in place.[2] The genetically engineered pig liver was connected to a normothermic perfusion device that allowed the patient's blood to circulate through the pig liver.[2] During the procedure, key indicators such as bilirubin levels, transaminases and prothrombin activity continuously and significantly improved.[2] In one case, a genetically engineered pig liver was perfused for 72 hours with no signs of organ rejection.[3] This approach represents a potential temporary support for patients with acute liver failure and may allow time for the liver to regenerate itself or wait for a transplant.[2]