eGenesis, a trailblazing biotechnology firm specializing in human-compatible organs and cells for treating organ failure, in collaboration with PorMedTec, a global leader in porcine embryology, has achieved a significant milestone in Japan. Together, they have successfully produced genetically engineered porcine donors intended for transplantation.

This collaboration represents a pivotal moment in medical science. eGenesis provided PorMedTec with genetically engineered porcine cells, which were then used in the cloning process through somatic cell nuclear transfer. These cells carry specific edits, including the knockout of genes involved in hyperacute rejection, insertion of human transgenes regulating various rejection pathways, and inactivation of endogenous retroviruses in the porcine genome. A landmark preclinical study using kidneys with these genetics was recently published in Nature.

eGenesis and PorMedTec are now poised to advance the development of genetically engineered organs in Japan, particularly focusing on kidney transplants. Japan faces a severe organ shortage, with only 3% of waitlisted candidates receiving transplants due to a scarcity of donors. The median wait time for a kidney transplant in Japan is fifteen years, compared to four years in the United States.

“Production of our first donors outside the United States is a critical milestone for eGenesis. This demonstrates the potential of broadening our reach and the promise of our platform to additional geographies and patient populations in need,” said Mike Curtis, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of eGenesis. “We are thrilled to partner with PorMedTec, a global leader in porcine cloning and production, to advance our organ products to end waitlist mortality, extend lives, and ultimately transform the treatment of organ failure.”

“In Japan, interest in xenotransplantation is high due to the acute need for organs, but progress in this field has been limited due to the lack of genetically engineered donors with the potential to support human recipients. Birth of a genetically engineered pig with a proven track record in the United States is expected to accelerate progress toward the clinic in Japan,” said Genjiro Miwa, Founder & CEO, PorMedTec. “Our mission is to provide transplantable organs, tissues, and cells for the treatment of all patients with organ failure.”

“Very few patients on the waiting list with end-stage organ failure can undergo transplantation in Japan due to the lack of organ donors. Dialysis burdens patients and their families and generally results in a decreased quality of life. The medical costs are enormous - in Japan, 2 trillion yen is spent annually on renal dialysis, constituting 4% of the total medical expenditure of the country,” said Hiroshi Nagashima, Founder & Chief Scientist / CEO, PorMedTec and Professor, Meiji University. “Cloning technology will enable the use of an alternative organ supply using genetically engineered porcine donors. Our goal is to provide a sustainable supply of organs to all patients in need of transplant.”

The collaboration between eGenesis and PorMedTec represents a beacon of hope for patients awaiting organ transplants, promising a future where organ shortages are addressed, and lives are extended.

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