“EpiX successfully led an important scientific study to identify and examine all relevant pathogens for xenotransplantation, to support risk mitigation efforts. The project’s success is a true testament to EpiX’s expertise and world-class leadership”, says Diana Challen, Director, Regulatory Affairs CMC, eGenesis, Inc. 

There is a global shortage of tissues and organs for transplantation, such as hearts, livers, and kidneys. Transplantation of tissues and organs produced by pigs (called xenotransplantation) has the potential to address long waiting times and deaths caused by this situation (about 17 people die each day in the US alone). However, there are concerns that pathogens from pigs may be transmitted to human organ recipients and adversely affect their health. In this context, eGenesis supported a study led by EpiX Analytics and conducted in collaboration with a group of international experts, which evaluated potential exposure to porcine microorganisms and parasites and subsequent risk to the health of human recipients. This work is key to inform surveillance and risk mitigation strategies. 

The resulting manuscript was published in Xenotransplantation – Expert opinion on the identification, risk assessment, and mitigation of microorganisms and parasites relevant to xenotransplantation products from pigs.