Scientists are looking to xenotransplantation , the use of genetically modified pigs , to fill the shortfall of human organs for transplant , with CRISPR gene - editing technology helping to ensure the organs are compatible with human patients . There are more than 120,000 people in the U.S. waiting for an organ transplant and not enough donors. Scientists at EGenesis Bio have used CRISPR to inactivate viral remnants in the pigs , while a team at the University of Minnesota is using the gene - editing tool to study insulin - producing pig pancreatic islets . The US Food and Drug Administration said plans to start human studies would be " evaluated on a case - by - case basis " .
Scientists are looking to xenotransplantation , the use of genetically modified pigs , to fill the shortfall of human organs for transplant , with CRISPR gene - editing technology helping to ensure the organs are compatible with human patients . Scientists at EGenesis Bio have used CRISPR to inactivate viral remnants in the pigs , while a team at the University of Minnesota is using the gene - editing tool to study insulin - producing pig pancreatic islets . The US Food and Drug Administration said plans to start human studies would be " evaluated on a case - by - case basis " .