Genetically Modified Pigs Offer Red Meat Solution for Allergy Sufferers

People with alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy triggered by a lone star tick bite, can now consume pork from genetically modified pigs created by Revivicor Inc. for organ transplant research. These special pigs lack the alpha-gal sugar, which the FDA approved as safe in 2020. The pork is distributed free to patients.

Patients suffering from alpha-gal syndrome, a serious allergy to red meat triggered by a lone star tick bite, have found relief in a surprising source: genetically modified pigs. Revivicor Inc., initially focused on organ transplantation research, has bred these pigs to lack an allergy-inducing sugar called alpha-gal.

This innovation was tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020, ensuring there were no detectable levels of alpha-gal across several generations of the pigs. While the pork isn't available in grocery stores, Revivicor shares it free of charge with allergy sufferers who place orders.

David Ayares, head of Revivicor, revealed that demand is high, with the company receiving hundreds of orders. The pigs, known as 'GalSafe,' are housed in Iowa, with some meat processed periodically to keep the herd's numbers in check. Revivicor is not a food company but a leader in xenotransplantation, as demonstrated by their recent experimental kidney transplant using a GalSafe pig.

(With inputs from agencies.)