A group including a venture company from Meiji University has succeeded in producing a special pig developed in the United States whose organs are intended to be transplanted into humans using cloning technology, and the first piglet in Japan was born. announced.
This was announced by a group including Pol Med Tech, a venture company from Meiji University that researches pig cloning technology.
This pig is a special mini-pig that was genetically engineered by an American biotech company to make it less likely to cause a rejection reaction in anticipation of organ transplantation into humans.The group created clones from imported pig cells. Three piglets were born on the 11th.
According to the group, this is the first time that a pig intended for transplantation into humans has been born in Japan.
Research into transplanting pig organs into humans has been attracting attention in many countries over the past few years as it leads to securing organs for transplantation.
The group plans to supply pigs to research institutions in the future, and is hoping to start research on transplanting organs into monkeys this year.
Hiroshi Nagashima, CEO of the venture company and professor at Meiji University, said, ``I'm relieved that the baby was born safely, but this is just the beginning.I think this will move forward with the discussion towards clinical application in Japan.We will conduct research with an emphasis on safety.'' I would like to move forward with this and deepen the discussion of ethical issues."