FDA Grants Approval for CRISPR-Altered Pigs for Consumption
Swine Shift: The CRISPR Revolution in the Pork Industry
Ready for CRISPR-tastic pork? This week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) greenlighted gene-edited pigs developed by PIC, a biotech company specializing in livestock genetics. The move paves the way for these genetically modified hogs to grace our dinner plates.
On Wednesday, the FDA granted the OK to a specific gene edit used in commercially bred pigs. Backed by CRISPR, the powerful gene-editing tool, the UK-based company has created pigs that are resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), a viral infection ravaging the swine industry globally. But don't expect your first bite of GE bacon until a few years down the line.
"We've toiled for years to bring this groundbreaking technology to fruition," said Matt Culbertson, chief operating officer at PIC (formerly known as the Pig Improvement Company), in a statement from the National Pig Association. The modifications knock out a receptor on pig cells commonly exploited by PRRS to cause infection, making the modified pigs resistant to numerous PRRS virus strains. However, a handful of rare subtypes may still cause issues.
PRRS surfaced in the wild sometime ago, but it didn't become a significant concern until several decades later. Today, it's widespread and devastating to the industry, causing deaths among young pigs and reproductive failures. Worldwide, it's estimated that PRRS costs the U.S. alone a whopping $560 million annually in losses.
The gene edit is introduced during the early embryo stage, with the altered embryos being implanted into gilts (mature, non-pregnant females). This genetic tweak doesn't change the pigs' taste or safety compared to regular pork.
PIC's gene-edited pigs aren't the first to gain FDA approval. In 2020, the agency gave a nod to Revivicor's Galsafe pigs for use in both medicine and food. These genetically engineered pigs have been modified to eliminate alpha-gal, a sugar that triggers allergic reactions in some folks, making pig organs unsuitable for transplants. While it's worth noting that earlier versions weren't edited via CRISPR, the latest versions have been. Revivicor, now owned by United Therapeutics, does provide Galsafe meat free of charge to individuals suffering from red meat allergies upon request.
The FDA has previously given the green light to other genetically modified animals for human consumption, like salmon. However, clearing the regulatory hurdles and finding a foothold in the market has proven challenging for companies in the past. But given the simplicity of PIC's editing method (removing, not adding a gene) and the potential benefits it provides, these modified pigs might just be the first GE livestock to be mass-produced and consumed by folks.
While the U.S. has given the go-ahead, the rollout hinges on regulatory approvals in key global markets where pork is widely produced or imported, such as Mexico, Canada, and China. It's unlikely these gene-edited pigs will hit supermarket shelves in the U.S. before 2026 at the earliest.
This article has been updated to clarify that Revivicor's Galsafe pigs were previously approved for human consumption by the FDA, and are now being edited using CRISPR gene editing.
Behind the Scenes:While the U.S. gives the green light, the road to the global market is long. To ensure commercial viability and export access, necessary regulatory approvals must be secured in Mexico and other export markets. The timelines for regulatory progress are dependent on each country's regulatory framework and stance on gene editing. Key markets such as Canada, Japan, China, and Latin America are currently under review, with Mexico's regulatory approval critical given the U.S. pork industry's reliance on this market.
- As technology advances, the future of the pork industry may see the introduction of genetically modified pigs, such as those created by PIC using CRISPR-based gene editing.
- Gizmodo readers might be interested to know that science and technology have paved the way for the creation of pigs resistant to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), a significant issue in the swine industry.
- In terms of lifestyle, health-and-wellness, and fitness-and-exercise, it's worth noting that genetically modified pigs could potentially lead to more sustainable food production and reduce costs associated with diseases like PRRS.
- Foodies and those with an interest in food-and-drink trends might find it intriguing that these gene-edited pigs can be consumed without any changes to their taste or safety compared to regular pork.
- Keeping an eye on technology news, one could predict that the success of gene-edited pigs in the market could potentially open doors for other genetically modified animals, making them a part of our everyday lives.
