Bacon might be safe.
For individuals who develop an unusual and severe allergy to red meat after a lone star tick bite, there is a surprising source of pork they can still consume: genetically modified pigs designed for organ transplant research. These pigs, created by Revivicor Inc., are not available in regular grocery stores. Instead, the company provides their limited supply of pork products, such as ground patties and ribs, free of charge to those with alpha-gal syndrome.
Alpha-gal syndrome is triggered by a sugar called alpha-gal, found in the tissues of nearly all mammals except humans and some primates. This condition can cause severe allergic reactions hours after consuming red meat or certain mammalian products like milk and gelatin. The challenge with organ transplantation from pigs is that the same alpha-gal sugar prompts the human immune system to reject the organ. To address this, Revivicor genetically modified pigs to remove the gene responsible for producing alpha-gal, thus making their organs suitable for transplant.
Although xenotransplantation remains experimental, Revivicor’s genetically altered “GalSafe” pigs received FDA approval in 2020 for use in food products and potential human therapeutics. The FDA confirmed that these pigs have no detectable levels of alpha-gal across multiple generations. Despite not being a food company, Revivicor began distributing GalSafe pork to allergy patients a few years ago as part of its research initiatives.
The GalSafe pigs are raised in Iowa, where their meat is processed in a USDA-certified slaughterhouse. Revivicor then ships the frozen pork to individuals who have applied for it due to their alpha-gal syndrome. Positive feedback, including expressions of joy from patients who can enjoy bacon again, is prominently displayed at Revivicor’s office.
Additionally, Revivicor maintains a separate farm in Virginia for pigs with various genetic modifications used in xenotransplant research. Although these pigs have been involved in experimental procedures, such as a recent kidney transplant at NYU Langone Health, they cannot be used for meat. The strong anesthesia required during organ removal disqualifies the pigs from meeting USDA standards for drug-free food, as explained by United Therapeutics spokesperson Dewey Steadman.
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