GalSafe Pigs

The domestic pigs that lack a sugar molecule called alpha-gal are called Galsafe pigs. This particular sugar molecule is found in tissues of cows, pigs and sheep. If humans are exposed to these sugar molecules, they develop life threatening allergies called alpha-gal syndrome.

About GalSafe pigs

The GalSafe pigs are used as a source of blood thinning drugs. They are also used in organ transplantation. Also, the organs and tissues of GalSafe pigs address the issue of immune rejection in patients receiving organ transplants. That is, when an organ of person or animal is transplanted into another, there are chances of organ rejection. This is because, the receptor immune system sees the donor organ as a foreign body. And thus, tries to kill the transplanted organ. This is why the immune systems of organ transplanted patients are suppressed for few days after surgery. Such complications can be overcome using organ transplantation from GalSafe pigs.

Galsafe pigs in Genomic transformation

In 2020, the USFDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) approved the first international genomic alteration (IGA) of GalSafe pigs. The FDA allowed to use these pigs for food and human therapeutics. Following this, in 2021, surgeons of USA successfully transplanted a kidney from GalSafe pigs into humans. International Genomic Alteration is making alteration to specific genes of an organism. This changes in DNA sequencing shall be done for research purposes and to produce healthier meat human consumption. IGA gives faster growth and resistance to diseases.