eGenesis, a pioneering biotechnology company, and OrganOx, a leader in medical devices focusing on organ perfusion, have announced the successful completion of an extracorporeal perfusion using a genetically engineered porcine liver. This landmark achievement marks the first enrollee in the ongoing PERFUSE-2 study, a significant step in the field of organ transplantation and treatment of organ failure.

Collaborative Effort in Medical Research

The study, which showcases the potential of xenotransplantation, was conducted in collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania Transplant Institute and Gift of Life Donor Program. The generosity of a donor family, seeking to advance clinical research and help other families, made this pioneering research possible. The perfusion, using the eGenesis liver, EGEN-5784, was connected to the OrganOx extracorporeal liver cross-circulation (ELC) device. Throughout the procedure, stable blood flow, pressure, and pH were maintained, along with robust bile production, and no signs of rejection were observed.

The PERFUSE-2 Study Objectives

The PERFUSE-2 study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using this liver perfusion system to support patients suffering from liver failure. Annually in the US, over 300,000 patients are admitted with various forms of liver failure, facing high mortality risks. The study explores using a human-compatible, genetically engineered porcine liver to support patients’ native livers or bridge them to a transplant.

Technological and Genetic Breakthroughs

The genetically engineered porcine liver carries the same genetic modifications as the porcine kidneys used in a landmark preclinical study. These include knocking out genes involved in hyperacute rejection, inserting human transgenes for immune modulation, and inactivating endogenous retroviruses.

Leadership Comments and Future Prospects

Michael Curtis, Ph.D., President and CEO of eGenesis, expressed gratitude to the donor family and highlighted the study’s significance in xenotransplantation. Abraham Shaked, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania Transplant Institute, and Prof Peter Friend, Chief Medical Officer, OrganOx, both emphasized the study’s importance in developing new therapeutic options for organ failure.

Richard D. Hasz, Jr., President and CEO of the Gift of Life Donor Program, praised the collaboration’s potential to bring new hope to waitlisted patients. The donor family expressed pride in contributing to this medical advancement, providing hope for people with serious diseases.

A New Era in Transplant Medicine

This collaborative effort between eGenesis, OrganOx, and their partners represents a monumental step forward in organ transplantation technology. The successful perfusion using a genetically engineered porcine liver opens new avenues for treating liver failure, potentially saving thousands of lives and advancing the field of medical science.

  eGenesis, Liver Failure, Michael Curtis, Organ Perfusion Technology, OrganOx, Richard D. Hasz, University of Pennsylvania Transplant Institute, Xenotransplantation