The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its first approval on genetically-modified pigs for food and medical use.
In a press release, FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn said that the agency has awarded it "first-ever approval of an animal biotechnology product," which can be used for biomedical purpose and for general consumption. The commissioner noted that this "represents a tremendous milestone for scientific innovation."
In 2009, the FDA approved genetically-modified goats that produce milk that can be prevent blood clots. In 2015, the FDA also granted approval for genetically-engineered chickens that can produce a drug with their eggs. Also in 2015, the U.S. agency gave its approval on a genetically modified salmon, which became the first GMO animal approved for eating.
Genetically-modified pigs pros and cons
GalSafe may resolve the lack for vital organ transplants resources as 10 patients in the U.S. die every day while waiting for donors. This is particularly important as GalSafe pigs' organs and tissues could potentially address the immune rejection issue among patients who received xenotransplants, which are believed to be triggered by alpha-gal sugar.
A xenotransplant refers to the implantation, infusion, or transplantation of live tissues, cells, or organs from an animal source to a human. It also involves contact of human cells, tissues, body fluids, or organs outside human bodies.
Aside from the great potential for safe human consumption, there are several potential medical uses for GalSafe pigs. They could be used to make safer drugs for people with AGS such as heparin, a common blood-thinner that is derived from animal tissue. these genetically-modified pigs can also supply organs and tissues without the alpha-gal sugar can be a cause of organ rejection.
However, the GalSafe pigs's potential for transplantation has not yet been tested, so further research is necessary. Similarly, there are also still no tests being done on GalSafe ingestion by people with meat allergies, so it is still unclear what effects it would have on them.
Meanwhile, any company or manufacturer that would want to utilize GalSafe pigs would need to get further approval from the FDA before they use new drugs or do implants or transplants on humans.
Related article: 3-D Protein Model Shows Why Cats and Cattles Are More Likely Infected with COVID-19 Than Chickens and Pigs!
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Written by CJ Robles
