Recent advancements in pig transplant research have provided unexpected relief for individuals afflicted with alpha-gal syndrome, a rare allergy triggered by the bite of a lone star tick that renders red meat consumption potentially life-threatening. According to the Associated Press (AP), genetically modified pigs, originally bred by Revivicor Inc. for organ transplantation research in humans, have enabled some allergy patients to safely consume pork.
David Ayares, CEO of Revivicor Inc., cautioned that these specialized pigs, dubbed “GalSafe,” are not available in retail markets. Instead, the company supplies them at no cost to individuals suffering from alpha-gal syndrome. Ayares noted a high demand for their products, revealing a freezer stocked with various pork products including ground patties, ham, ribs, and pork chops, AP reported.
Alpha-gal syndrome arises due to an allergic reaction to alpha-gal, a sugar present in the tissues of most mammals but absent in humans and certain primates. Consumption of beef, pork, or mammalian-derived products like milk or gelatin can provoke severe reactions hours after ingestion.
The development of genetically modified pigs marks a significant step in xenotransplantation research, aimed at overcoming the shortage of human organs available for transplantation. Revivicor’s initial genetic modification targeted the inactivation of the gene responsible for alpha-gal production in pigs.
Although xenotransplantation remains experimental, Revivicor’s GalSafe pigs received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 to be used as a safe food source and potentially as a source for human therapeutics. The FDA confirmed the absence of detectable levels of alpha-gal across multiple generations of these pigs.
Despite FDA approval, Revivicor has encountered limited interest from agricultural sectors in commercializing GalSafe pork. The GalSafe pigs are raised in Iowa and their population is managed through periodic processing at a USDA-certified facility. Frozen shipments of pork are then distributed to alpha-gal syndrome patients who have submitted applications for the product.
The positive impact of GalSafe pork is evident from the “thank-you” letters displayed at Revivicor’s corporate office, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to enjoy previously restricted foods like bacon, as reported by AP.
Revivicor clarified that pigs used for organ transplantation cannot be utilized for meat due to anesthesia requirements during organ extraction, which disqualify them from meeting USDA standards for drug-free food.
This breakthrough in pig transplant research not only offers hope for individuals with alpha-gal syndrome but also highlights the potential of genetically modified pigs in advancing medical and dietary solutions.
