In an exclusive conversation ahead of their panel appearance at SynBioBeta 2025 next week in San Jose, Dr. Wenning Qin, SVP of Innovation of eGenesis, offers a glimpse into a future that was once confined to the pages of science fiction: a world where no patient dies waiting for an organ.

Every year, thousands succumb to organ failure because donor organs are scarce. eGenesis is rewriting this grim reality using sophisticated genome engineering techniques to make xenotransplantation—organ transplants from genetically engineered pigs—a practical and safe medical treatment. "We believe this crisis demands a bold solution, one rooted deeply in synthetic biology," Qin emphasizes.

At the heart of eGenesis's technology lies meticulous genetic editing of pigs. Historically, xenotransplantation faced near-insurmountable hurdles, particularly immunological rejection triggered by pig-specific molecular markers. eGenesis’s solution involves the precise removal of key glycan epitopes, including α-Gal, Neu5Gc, and Sda antigens—molecules harmless to pigs yet fiercely immunogenic to humans. In addition, eGenesis integrates human genes into the pig genome, notably CD46, CD55, thrombomodulin, and CD47, significantly reducing immune activation and promoting compatibility.

"This is synthetic biology at its finest—not merely cutting or inserting genes but rewriting the genetic 'language' of the donor organ," says Qin, underscoring the depth and sophistication of eGenesis's approach.

The progress at eGenesis is not theoretical. Qin points to their recent human trials in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), including the groundbreaking transplant of their genetically modified porcine kidney, EGEN-2784, into a patient in 2024 and in another patient earlier this year. Tim Andrews, a 66-year-old former dialysis patient, exemplifies the transformative impact of this technology. The FDA's recent clearance of eGenesis's Investigational New Drug (IND) application for human trials involving a genetically engineered porcine liver further cements the company's status as an innovator ready to scale this life-saving technology.

But Qin views the impact of xenotransplantation as extending far beyond mere organ availability. "Xenotransplantation has the potential to do more than address scarcity—it can enable better matching, faster treatment, and more equitable access," Qin argues. "Synthetic biology allows us to design donor organs optimized specifically for human compatibility, potentially revolutionizing treatment outcomes and quality of life."

Reflecting broader trends within synthetic biology, Qin’s vision goes beyond current applications. Where the field once focused largely on microorganisms, eGenesis exemplifies a significant paradigm shift toward complex, multicellular organisms, opening new frontiers for medical innovation. Qin anticipates that synthetic biology’s role in healthcare will continue to expand dramatically, influencing everything from autoimmune conditions to zoonotic diseases.

While challenges remain—especially societal acceptance and regulatory approval—Qin is optimistic about the path ahead. "Success will depend not only on science but on building trust, demonstrating safety, and clearly communicating the immense humanitarian benefit xenotransplantation can deliver," Qin concludes.

Ultimately, Qin would like to see that “one day, no patient will have to wonder whether an organ will arrive in time. Through the power of synthetic biology, we can make sure that the answer is always yes."

At SynBioBeta 2025, Dr. Wenning Qin will elaborate on eGenesis’s advances, showcasing synthetic biology’s transformative potential to solve one of medicine's most urgent crises—and, perhaps, redefine humanity's relationship with biology itself.