The advent of CRISPR gene editing was critical for xenotransplantation. CRISPRs could engineer the porcine genome with orders of magnitude higher efficiency than earlier technology.

Resurgence of Investment

Biotech companies soon bought in or were spun out of academia starting with United Therapeutics, eGenesis, and Makana Therapeutics.

Teaming and investment by multinationals such as Fresenius, a dialysis company, Baxter who produces dialysis equipment, and Novartis, a producer of immunosuppressants important to transplantation quickly followed.

CIRISPR Delivered better Pigs

The promise of CRISPR was realized quickly. After the forerunner of Makana Therapeutics delivered a multigene knock out pig in 2015, eGenesis delivered a pig with 65 genetic changes. United Therapeutics’ 10 gene edited pig proved initially that heart xenotransplantation was possible in a baboon.

Ongoing Improvements

Biotechnology continues to deliver new tools to make gene editing more precise, faster, and cheaper.