Pig-to-human transplants in development

LONDON, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Pig organs genetically altered for use as transplant organs in humans could be ready in three years, British researchers said.

However, researcher Robert Winston said the first hospital transplants of pig organs into humans were probably 10 years off because of rigorous testing, The Mirror reported.

"This is very exciting technology," said Winston, head a team working to develop a strain of mini-pig with a heart, kidney and liver a human body wouldn't reject. "Potentially we could have organs which might be transplantable in two or three years."

Once perfected, the genetically altered pigs could be bred to provide a limitless supply of organs, Winston told the British newspaper.

"Essentially if you wait for a transplant you wait for someone to die in a car crash," he said. "The pig offers some special possibilities."