FDA Approves First CRISPR-Edited Pigs Resistant to Deadly Swine Virus

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved the first CRISPR-edited pigs developed by Pig Improvement Company (PIC) for human consumption. This landmark approval marks a significant advancement in agricultural biotechnology, as these gene-edited pigs are resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), a highly destructive virus affecting pig populations worldwide.

PRRS is a viral disease that causes reproductive failure in breeding pigs and high mortality in young pigs, leading to estimated annual losses of $560 million in the U.S. alone. PIC’s gene editing approach uses CRISPR technology to knock out a specific receptor on pig cells that the virus exploits to infect the animals. This modification confers resistance to nearly all circulating strains of PRRS, significantly improving animal health and reducing economic losses.

The gene edit is introduced at the embryonic stage, allowing the resistance trait to be inherited by future generations of pigs. Importantly, these genetically edited pigs are otherwise indistinguishable from conventional pigs in terms of taste, safety, and other characteristics, ensuring consumer acceptance and regulatory compliance.

This approval follows earlier FDA authorizations of genetically modified animals such as Revivicor’s Galsafe pigs and genetically engineered salmon. However, PIC’s approach is notable for its simplicity—removing a gene rather than adding one—and the broad benefits it offers to the pork industry. This could pave the way for wider adoption of gene-edited livestock aimed at enhancing disease resistance and food safety.

While the pigs are not expected to be commercially available in the U.S. until 2026, PIC and its parent company Genus are actively seeking regulatory approvals in other major pork markets including Mexico, Canada, and China. Given the global nature of the pork industry, this innovation holds promise for improving animal welfare, reducing economic losses, and enhancing food security worldwide.

Broader Implications and Future Outlook

The FDA’s approval of PIC’s CRISPR-edited pigs is a milestone that could accelerate the integration of gene editing in livestock production. By demonstrating safety and efficacy, it sets a precedent for future innovations aimed at tackling infectious diseases, improving animal welfare, and enhancing sustainability in agriculture.

Moreover, this development highlights the potential of CRISPR technology to address global food security challenges by reducing losses due to disease and improving the efficiency of meat production. As regulatory frameworks evolve and public acceptance grows, gene-edited livestock could become a cornerstone of modern agriculture.

For developers, biotech companies, and agricultural stakeholders, understanding the regulatory landscape and technological capabilities of gene editing is crucial. Innovations like PIC’s gene-edited pigs demonstrate how precision genetics can deliver tangible benefits, from disease resistance to economic resilience.