A research team headed by Chen Gang from Tongji Hospital, affiliated with Tongji Medical College at Huazhong University of Science and Technology, has achieved a notable advancement in the realm of xenotransplantation. The kidney, sourced from a genetically modified pig, exhibited normal functionality within the body of a rhesus monkey, sustaining the primate's life for a period exceeding one year. This achievement places the research at an internationally advanced standard, marking a significant milestone in China's xenotransplantation endeavors and laying a solid foundation for subsequent clinical investigations.

Chen Gang, who has devoted over two decades to research in this specialized field, notes that the experimental data gleaned from this study will offer robust support for clinical research endeavors. However, the transition from animal experimentation to human application presents formidable challenges, primarily centered around the unknown long-term efficacy and safety of such procedures. Patients express concerns regarding potential infection risks associated with xenotransplantation.

Chen Gang anticipates that preliminary clinical applications could materialize within the next three to five years, with genetically modified pig organs poised to address the critical issue of organ availability. Nevertheless, the path forward necessitates overcoming ethical and biosafety concerns that accompany this innovative approach.

This groundbreaking progress holds immense significance for China, as it strives to secure a technological vantage point and amplify its international influence in the field of medical research.