Genome pioneer J. Craig Venter is teaming up with a unit of United Therapeutics to develop pig lungs that have been genetically altered to be compatible with humans, a feat that, if successful, could address the urgent need for transplant organs for people with end-stage lung disease.
Venter's privately held company Synthetic Genomics said it has entered a multiyear deal with United Therapeutics' Lung Biotechnology to develop the so-called humanised pig organs.