Porcine tissue use in medical testing has been advancing for centuries. As we look at the history so far, we see great promise for the future of medical research. In addition to medical testing, porcine tissue is being considered as a possible option for xenotransplantation (transplanting organs and tissues from one species to another), with updates in this area being published as recently as this month. This new area of medical study could save hundreds of thousands of lives. Before looking to the future of porcine tissue use in medical testing, let’s explore where we’ve already been and how research has advanced to where it is today.
17th through 19th Centuries: Early Attempts and Experiments
The concept of xenotransplantation, grafting animal tissues onto humans, dates back as early as a clinical blood xenotransplantation attempt in the 17th century. Although there are not many recorded notes on xenotransplantation and animal tissue testing at this time, there are some mentions in French records from the late 1800s. At this time, researchers attempted some of the first recorded xenograft trials, coinciding with the invention of anesthesia and antiseptic practices. These trials laid the foundation for years of medical testing related to animal tissue use in human cases.
In addition to these early attempts at xenotransplantation, the concept of grafting animal tissue in human medical procedures has its history in mythological legends as well. For hundreds, if not thousands, of years, humans have been intrigued by the potential that animal tissue may hold for healing and medical advancements. Researchers over the last few hundred years have attempted to move medical knowledge forward in this area, with an early foundation laid in the 17th through 19th centuries.
Early 20th Century: Xenotransplantation Advancements
Researchers continued xenotransplantation tests in the early 1900s and realized a significant obstacle – immune system attacks on the patient’s new tissue. Beginning in the mid-20th century, doctors experimented with immunosuppressant drugs. At this point in time, researchers were primarily experimenting with chimpanzee and baboon organs, with some success. According to one research surgeon, survival time after a transplant ranged from two hours to several weeks, occasionally stretching to nine months. Survival time increased as researchers learned more in this field.
Around the turn of the century, another attempt was made at xenotrasplantation – this time transplanting a porcine kidney to the elbow of a 48-year-old woman. The same researcher attempted xenotransplantation of a goat kidney as well. Both grafts failed, followed by more unsuccessful attempts, causing researchers to pause testing in this area for around 40 years. These xenotransplantation experiments laid a foundation for porcine tissue use in medical testing.
Late 20th Century: Porcine Model Uses
As the field kept developing, researchers started using porcine organs in place of other xenotransplantation organ sources, for many reasons. First and foremost, pigs have a similar organ makeup to humans, with genomes that are readily editable. Pigs also have shorter gestation periods and larger litters than other animals considered for research and transfers, making it easier to find the right organs for experiments. Additionally, pig organs are closer in size to human organs and are less likely to transfer diseases to patients. After seeing success with porcine tissue in testing, researchers started using porcine organs over other nonhuman organ sources. Near the middle and end of the 20th century, researchers also used porcine models to develop the first commercial insulin formulas.
However, near the end of the 20th century, researchers discovered another obstacle – viruses in porcine cells, known as Porcine Endogenous Retroviruses (PERVs). PERVs are present in the porcine genome in varying levels, depending on pig breed, tissue type, and retrovirus subtype. Researchers quickly performed studies on patients who had received porcine cells and tissue, finding no evidence of PERV infection. An FDA subcommittee reviewed the studies and agreed with the conclusion that PERV transmission was not a significant risk, allowing porcine medical testing and research to proceed into the 21st century.
21st Century: Rise of Porcine Tissue Use in Medical Testing
As scientists and medical professionals gained interest in xenotransplantation and animal tissue testing, porcine tissue became one of the most intriguing subject matters. Pigs are increasingly being used as alternatives to other non-rodent animal test subjects, currently taking priority over dogs and monkeys.
In a comparison of common large animals used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) research, porcine models were found to be on the rise. Research on these subjects increased in the last three decades, with porcine model references rising more than other animal references. Nearing the turn of the century, porcine mentions in research and medical testing continued to rise, with related publications experiencing the greatest increase from 1990 to 2016. TERM and the porcine model have been referenced in scientific research articles almost 20,000 times, approximately the same number of times as other animals combined (canine, ovine, equine, and caprine models). Porcine models are rising as a primary testing candidate as medical research advances in this area.
Recent Advancements: Porcine Testing Today
Porcine tissue use in medical testing continues to advance today. In a recent study (June 2024), researchers examined decellularised porcine pleural membranes as a viable option for tissue-engineered surrogates for lung tissue repair. Their research was an advancement in this area, moving toward more tissue engineering applications. In an even more recent milestone in Fall 2025, the FDA approved clinical trials to evaluate genetically engineered kidneys for patients with end-stage kidney disease.
Universities and schools are stepping into porcine tissue and organ use as well. Some universities, like the University of Minnesota, are pioneering porcine transplantation programs to move this area of medical knowledge forward. A recent study from Yale School of Medicine examined the viability of producing tissue-engineered vascular conduits, finding success and moving research to preclinical modeling for new heart and blood vessel treatments. As we examine the history of porcine tissue use in medical testing, we can see the foundation that has led us to where we are today – and we can see that the future is bright in this area.
High-Quality Tissue Sourcing
As medical researchers continue moving forward with tissue use in medical testing, porcine models play an important role – as they have for centuries. New research on porcine models will lead the way for treatments, medical advancements, and new hope of a healthy life for patients with very difficult-to-treat diseases.
At Tissue Source, we are proud to provide high-quality, ethically sourced porcine tissue and organs for clinical, research, and educational use. These tissues and organs are helpful to move medical and scientific research forward in this area. We provide clients with:
- Customized Solutions: Whether you’re looking for porcine circulatory systems, digestive systems, musculoskeletal systems, nervous systems, or other tissues, organs, and systems, we offer flexible options to meet your needs.
- Traceability and Quality Assurance: We can provide traceability to individual animals as needed, or economical options for less stringent requirements.
- Commitment to Innovation: We are committed to providing ethically sourced, meticulously processed porcine organs, systems, and other tissues that meet the highest medical, scientific, and educational research standards.
Contact Tissue Source today to learn how our customizable solutions can support your next project or research study.