Animal genetics company Genus said it used gene editing to develop pigs that are resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, a costly viral disease affecting hogs. Colombia has approved sale of the pigs, and Genus, based in Britain, said it anticipates a decision from the FDA in the first half of 2024, “followed by phased global launch of the pigs, subject to receiving applicable regulatory approvals.”
The animals would be the first gene-edited pigs to be sold commercially, and Genus will proceed deliberately, said Matt Culbertson, a Genus official, in a statement. “We want to act responsibly, working closely and transparently with all stakeholders in the animal protein value chain.”
Besides the United States, Genus said it sought regulatory approval in Canada, China, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and other countries.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) costs the hog industry in the United States and Europe an estimated $2 billion a year, said Genus. To develop resistant pigs, Genus scientists used gene editing to remove a small portion of swine DNA that encodes a protein that the virus uses to enter pig cells.
In late 2020, the FDA approved a genetically modified pig for food and for use in human therapeutics. The modification prevents pigs from producing a sugar that causes allergic reactions in some people. The FDA has also approved fast-growing genetically modified AquAdvantage salmon, in 2015, and gene-edited “slick” cattle with short hair that potentially would better tolerate hot weather, in 2022.