Japanese scientists at the Jikei University School of Medicine in Tokyo have succeeded in developing functioning laboratory-produced kidneys, created from stem cells and transplanted into animals.“Once transplanted to pigs or rats, the kidneys functioned and produced urine, just like natural organs”.
According to Chris Mason, specialist in regenerative medicine and stem cells at University College London, this news “does not mean that this will work in humans – we are still probably many years off that”. However, if this advance “became feasible in humans, the technique could off-set the shortage [of kidney organ donors] more ‘easily’ compared to other organs”.
Courrier International (22/09/2015) – BBC (22/09/2015)