This research strategy uses foreign hosts (such as pigs) and genetically modified cells to grow human tissues and organs in the animal host that can then be transplanted into a human host replacing their lost organ functionality.

Recent advancements with CRISPR and other technologies have brough xeno-transplantation even closer to reality; however, significant challenges remain in understanding how to incubate human-compatible organs in foreign hosts. A good read about recent advancements can be found in this Time Magazine article.

The New Organ Research Alliance has not yet organized a committee around this research strategy. If you are interested in getting involved with launching this effort, please contact us.