When it comes to saving lives through human organ donation, America is in a crisis. According to the American Transplant Foundation, more than 114,000 people are on a waiting list for a vital organ transplant. The need is so great that another person is added to the national organ donation and transplant waiting list every 10 minutes. With the huge shortage of available organs, 20 people die each day waiting for an organ.
However, with the technological innovations happening in biomedicine, we are getting closer to finding a solution to the organ shortage.
What is Xenotransplantation?
Xenotransplantation is the transfer of nonhuman cells, tissues or organs into a human recipient. Xenotransplantation has been around since the 1950s and has been providing many different life-saving therapies around the world.
Of all the viable sources for nonhuman biological material, pigs are the best choice for many reasons. Pig organs are similar in size, shape, and function when compared to humans. Pigs also grow and mature at a fast rate, avoiding the problems of the donor shortage. Also, with current advancements in gene editing and genetic engineering, medical materials derived from pigs have an increased chance at being accepted in the human body.
While the discussion and study of pig xenotransplantation is still ongoing, it is important to note that many porcine co-products are widely used throughout the world. From life-saving transplants, nutraceuticals and academic research, porcine materials play an important part in fighting diseases and restoring lives.
SSR Lifesciences supplies excellent porcine materials for development of many high-quality medical products. We can source, prepare and deliver customized items in large or small volumes according to client specifications. From medical training, R&D, pharmaceuticals and medical device development, SSR Lifesciences can partner with you for your research or commercial needs. Please contact Jessica Freeman (jfreeman@https://ssr-solutions.com) or Lauren Sammel (lsammel@https://ssr-solutions.com), or contact us online to set up an introductory meeting.