The three-year project would lead to hybrid livers, consisting of pig livers partially repopulated with human cells, for transplantation into patients with liver failure. The xenotransplant program involving Ximerex, UNMC, and others would address a major unmet need caused by a severe shortage of human organ donors. Our program is unique in its ability to overcome a major obstacle to xenotransplantation, severe rejection. That technology along with this grant to develop hybrid livers and the highly acclaimed reputation of the clinical transplant programs puts UNMC in a lead position to develop a successful clinical program for pig xenotransplants, Dr. Beschorner said.
Today there is a severe shortage of human organ donors.
For most organs, as many as 10 times as many transplants could be performed, if the donors were available. For example, in the United States, approximately 4,600 liver transplants are performed annually. However, more than 16,000 high-priority patients are currently on the waiting list. As many as 50,000 patients could benefit each year from a liver transplant if the donor organs were available. The transplantation of pig livers could resolve this shortage.