The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for genetically modified hogs produced by Revivicor Inc, a subsidiary of United Therapeutics. The hogs have been modified to eliminate alpha-gal on the surface of cells. This change will minimize potential allergic reactions to pork and reduce the risk of organ rejection in transplant patients. Modified hogs will be marketed under the GalSafe brand. These hogs are effectively identical to conventional hogs with the exception of the elimination of alpha-gal expression. In their extensive evaluation, the FDA found no environmental or safety concerns. Elimination of alpha-gal could allow for xenotransplants from specially-selected SPF GalSafe hogs to human recipients.
Although the market for meat from GalSafe hogs is negligible the approval of the technology by FDA represents an acceptance in principle of GMO technology for food animals and follows approval of AquaBounty™ salmon. Studies are in progress to develop hogs that are resistant to specific infections including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome by gene deletion.
It will be interesting to observe consumer acceptance of meat products from gene-deleted or otherwise modified animals and fish. The comercialization of GMO pork and salmon may create market opportunities for modified chickens that are refractory to specific diseases or express economically beneficial traits.