Skip to content
Chronic-diseases — Type-2-diabetes — Medical-conditions — Health-and-wellness — Science

Transplanting Pig Cells: An Overview

New Zealand company, Living Cell Technologies (LCT), leads in xenotransplantation studies. Delve into their utilization of pig cells for disease treatment. Animal-derived cells are employed for this innovative medical approach.

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Cutting-edge Biotech Firm Living Cell Technologies (LCT) in New Zealand is spearheading...
Cutting-edge Biotech Firm Living Cell Technologies (LCT) in New Zealand is spearheading xenotransplantation studies. Delve into the reasons and methods they employ, utilizing pig cells to combat illness. The utilization of animals' cells for medical treatment is under investigation here.

Transplanting Pig Cells: An Overview

Living Cell Revolution: An In-depth Look at Algorae Pharmaceuticals' Xenotransplantation Research

DIABECELL®

Explore the revolutionary Living Cell Technologies (LCT) DIABECELL product, an innovative solution utilizing encapsulated insulin-producing pig cells to transform the lives of people with type 1 diabetes.

The Unstoppable March of Science

Xenotransplantation, the process of transplanting living animal cells, tissues, or organs into human bodies, has been gaining traction as a potential solution to the shortage of human donor tissue. Dive deeper into xenotransplantation and organ donation for more insights.

Auckland's Xenotransplantation Pioneers

Meet the extraordinary scientists at LCT, a pioneering Auckland-based company focused on developing pig cell transplants as treatments for various diseases, from diabetes to Parkinson's to hearing loss, and beyond.

Health Above All: Minimizing Risk

In the past, xenotransplantation research faced setbacks due to concerns over disease transmission. To mitigate these risks, LCT sources cells from unique, subantarctic pigs and maintains state-of-the-art facilities to safeguard against disease-causing pathogens. Learn more about designated pathogen-free pigs and their welfare here.

Peace of Mind Through Testing

LCT's cutting-edge molecular diagnostics lab ensures that all pig cell donors, products, and recipients are free of infectious diseases, providing assurance and promoting safety. Discover more about pig viruses and virus testing for a deeper understanding.

Designated Pathogen-Free Sows and Piglets

See the living examples of LCT's pathogen-free sows and piglets, descendants of pigs native to the Auckland Islands, living in secure, disease-free environments designed to promote their health and happiness.

]The Silent Protector[

LCT's pig cells are encapsulated in a unique, seaweed-based coating that functions as a physical barrier against antibodies, significantly reducing the risk of rejection. More details about this revolutionary method can be found in the article "Preventing Pig Cell Transplant Rejection."

The Future of Diabetes Treatment

Clinical trials are currently underway to test the efficacy of LCT's pig cell transplants as a treatment for type 1 diabetes. The aim is to improve blood sugar control and reduce the need for daily insulin injections, ultimately offering a better quality of life for those affected. Dig deeper into the topic of diabetes and pig cell transplants for a comprehensive dive.

** Xenotransplantation for Parkinson's Disease **

In a groundbreaking development, LCT is investigating the use of pig cell transplants to treat neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. By transplanting cells from a specific brain region that stimulates nerve repair and growth, researchers aim to slow or reverse the destructive impact of the disease on neurons. Learn more about this exciting research by reading "Pig Cell to Human Brain Transplant Approved."

The Ethical Debate

The use of animal cells to treat human diseases raises numerous ethical questions. As society continues to grapple with these concerns, readers can explore various perspectives and engage in thought-provoking discussions through the role-play activity "Ethics and Pig Cell Transplants."

A New Era

After a series of partnerships and changes in research focus, Living Cell Technologies rebranded as Algorae Pharmaceuticals Ltd in 2023. While specific details about the company's most recent developments and research initiatives are not widely available, a federal R&D tax incentive of $451,000 suggests ongoing research and development efforts.

The Pursuit of Innovation

Stay updated on the latest advancements in xenotransplantation research and technology by visiting the Algorae Pharmaceuticals website. In January 2022, a US patient received a genetically-modified pig heart transplant, a significant milestone for the field that was welcomed by Dr. Paul Tan, a former Chief Science and Medical Officer at Living Cells, who is now on a mission to make gene-edited pig kidneys a reality for human transplantation. For additional information, visit the NZeno website.

Sources:[1] Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (2016). Algorae Pharmaceuticals. Retrieved from https://www.pce.parliament.nz/reports/the-case-for-kea-and-kokako-revised-2016-selection-of-exemplar-spp/

  1. The revolutionary work of Algorae Pharmaceuticals, originally known as Living Cell Technologies, extends beyond type 1 diabetes treatments with xenotransplantation research also being explored for chronic diseases like Parkinson's.
  2. The medical community is keeping a watchful eye on Algorae Pharmaceuticals' current clinical trials, aiming to establish the effectiveness of their xenotransplantation therapies and treatments, particularly for type 2 diabetes.
  3. In the pursuit of health and wellness innovation, Algorae Pharmaceuticals is not only focused on minimizing disease transmission risks but also investigating ethical considerations involved in using animal cells to treat human medical conditions.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest