galsafe pigs

GalSafe Pigs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an Intentional genomic alteration (IGA) in a line of domestic pigs, referred to as GalSafe pigs, which may be used for food or human therapeutics.

This is the first Intentional Genomic Alteration in an animal that the FDA has approved for both human food consumption and as a source for potential therapeutic uses.

What is Intentional Genomic Alteration?



Genome editing is being performed using, for example, clustered regulatory interspersed short palindromic repeat associated nucleases (CRISPR), zinc-finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis (ODM).

Genome Editing Vs Genetic Engineering:

Genome editing is a much more precise method of making changes to the genome of a plant, animal, or other living organism than methods used previously to make such changes. It also allows for the intentional addition, substitution, or deletion of specific nucleotides (letters in the DNA code) in an organism’s genome. Genetic engineering generally allows for the introduction of new DNA (referred to as a recombinant DNA or rDNA construct) into an organism to alter that organism’s genome, but generally without control of the location in the genome in which the insertion of that rDNA construct would occur.

GalSafe pigs:



Alpha-gal Syndrome(GalSafe Pigs)

What is alpha-gal?

  • Alpha-gal is not normally found in fish, reptiles, birds, or people.
  • Alpha-gal can be found in products made from mammals (including some medications, cosmetics, vaccines, gelatin, and milk products).
  • There is evidence that the alpha-gal molecule is found in the saliva of certain types of ticks.

What is alpha-gal syndrome (AGS)?


What are the symptoms of AGS?

AGS reactions can include:

Rash,Hives,Nausea or vomiting,Difficulty breathing,Drop in blood pressure,Dizziness or faintness,Severe stomach pain

Symptoms commonly appear 3-6 hours after eating meat or exposure to products containing alpha-gal (for example, gelatin-coated medications).

AGS reactions can be different from person-to-person and can range from mild to severe or even life-threatening.

Environmental Implications:




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