
Disease-resistant pigs approved for sale in US
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of a gene-editing technology that makes pigs resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) on animals destinated for the US food supply chain.
This landmark approval for animal genetics company Genus, following years of development, aims to tackle the challenge of a disease that is endemic to most pig-producing regions.
The infection, which causes fever, respiratory distress, and premature births, costs industry approximately $2.5 billion (£1.75 billion) each year in lost revenue in the US and Europe alone.
The approval follows years of collaboration with the FDA and is a significant step on the pathway to commercialisation of gene-edited pigs in the US and other international markets.
Gene-edited pigs
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh's Roslin Institute focused their efforts on the CD163 gene in pigs.
This gene produces a receptor on the surface of cells, which the PRRS virus uses to cause infection.
Experts removed a small section of this gene, focusing on the section of the receptor that the virus attaches to, leaving the rest of the molecule intact.
Supported by Edinburgh Innovations (EI), the University of Edinburgh's commercialisation service, the team collaborated with Genus, which also licensed novel technologies from other institutions, to produce pigs with the specific DNA change.
The resulting pigs do not become infected with the virus, and the animals show no signs that the change in their DNA has had any other impact on their health or wellbeing.
Prof. Bruce Whitelaw of the Roslin Institute said: 'We are delighted to see the PRRS-resistant pig gene-edit approved for use – this is a milestone in the use of gene editing in livestock, and a landmark moment for the livestock industry towards managing a global disease that causes devastating losses.'
CEO of Genus, Jorgen Kokke added: 'FDA approval is a fantastic achievement for Genus PIC and represents a major step towards US commercialisation.
'We will now continue to pursue regulatory approvals in other international jurisdictions with a focus on key US export markets.'
EI's head of business development at the University of Edinburgh's College of Medicine and Vet Medicine, Dr. Susan Bodie added: 'This is a very exciting development in translating cutting edge research into a major solution for the food production industry.
'Gene editing – making targeted changes to DNA in a lab – allows scientists to rapidly introduce beneficial traits in plants and animals, which can take decades to achieve through traditional breeding programmes.
'EI is proud to support Roslin Institute researchers to work with industry on pioneering world-changing animal bioscience like this.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Irish Examiner
26-06-2025
- Irish Examiner
Suncream is safe - here are the facts, and five of Sally Foran's faves
Misinformation around sunscreen has unfortunately become more widespread on social media. Given that false news spreads up to six times faster and reaches more people than truthful content online (according to a 2018 study), this is extremely worrying. For younger people, it is more worrying still, as many rely on social media as a source of health information. A recent study from DCU found 57% of Gen Z are influenced by or frequently adopt nutrition trends they've found on TikTok and of those influenced, 67% said that they adopt at least one of these trends a few times a week. As melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults, we need to ensure our children aren't taking their health advice from wellness influencers or celebrities who are sharing damaging and inaccurate myths, including that cancer rates rose with the advent of sunscreen use and, even, that suncreams themselves cause cancer. The misinformation largely seems to stem from a mix of misinterpretations of lab studies, conspiracy theories and even apps like Yuka which can confuse people by demonising substances that toxicologists (scientists who study the harmful effects of chemicals) deem safe in regulated amounts. What do the experts say? It's important to note that, to date, no sunscreen ingredient, mineral or chemical, is classified as carcinogenic by any major health authority, including the Irish Cancer Society and the FDA. Skin cancer rates are likely increasing due to improved screening and diagnosis and significantly stronger UV radiation. UV rays, NOT sunscreen, are the actual carcinogen; they're classified as a group one carcinogen by the WHO, right next to plutonium. Thankfully, many dermatologists are now using their social media platforms to debunk this dangerous misinformation and help people make evidence-based choices for their skin health, including dermatologist Caitriona Ryan. Professor Ryan said one of the "growing myths" she's witnessed online is that chemical sunscreens cause cancer. "This [myth] is driven by misinterpreted studies. A recent FDA sponsored study did find that some chemical ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone are absorbed into the bloodstream at levels that warrant further testing, but absorption doesn't mean harm. There's no evidence that these ingredients cause cancer or health risks at the levels absorbed." Professor Ryan also points out that the FDA advised consumers to continue using sunscreen as "the proven benefits outweigh any of the theoretical risks'. A spokesperson for the Irish Cancer Society's website added; "we're often asked if chemicals in sunscreens are harmful, and if they increase your risk of developing cancer. Sunscreen has been used by a large portion of the population for a number of decades and there is no evidence that users come to harm. The research on the chemicals in sunscreen (oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate and parabens) does not show that they cause cancer. None of these chemicals has been classified as a cancer-causing substance by any major scientific organisation." Sunscreens we love Modern formulas have become more advanced, lightweight, invisible and comfortable to wear. Here are five of our favourites. Beauty of Josean Relief Sun: Rice & Probiotics, €17 Beauty of Josean Relief Sun: Rice & Probiotics €17, Beauty Features A gorgeous, lightweight gel cream ideal for breakout-prone skin or during hot weather. This Korean favourite feels like a weightless moisturiser, is fast absorbing, leaves no white cast and sits beautifully under makeup. What's not to love? Skingredients Skin Shield Moisturising and Priming SPF50 PA+++ Skingredients Skin Shield €57, The Skin Nerd A primer, moisturiser and sunscreen all in one. It has a gorgeous universal peachy tint (I love it on no makeup days) leaves no chalky white cast or photo flashback. It contains allantoin to soothe, niacinamide to help reduce redness and vitamin E, an antioxidant, to help protect against premature ageing. It protects against UVA, UVB, infrared light, pollution and blue light. CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50 CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion €19, LookFantastic A lightweight, facial moisturiser with SPF 50+ UVB/UVA protection, plus three essential ceramides, to help protect the skin's natural barrier and provide hydration, making it ideal for dry or mature skin. It hydrates for up to 24 hours, plays well under makeup and is the only SPF I can get my kids to use! Lacura Sun Sensitive Face Sun Lotion SPF 50+ Lacura Sensitive Face SPF €2.99, Aldi Ideal for those of a sensitive disposition. It has broad spectrum protection, is water resistant, dermatologically tested and best of all, is only €2.99! It's been a huge hit with my partner, so it's ideal for any menfolk in your life. Garnier Super UV Invisible Serum Garnier Super UV Invisible Serum €12, CH Tralee One of the lightest SPFs I've ever tried. Perfect for anyone who hates sticky or oily sunscreens. It works on every skin type and doesn't pill under makeup.


RTÉ News
17-06-2025
- RTÉ News
Neurent Medical to create 125 jobs in Galway
Healthcare company Neurent Medical is to create 125 new highly skilled jobs in Galway over the next three years. The announcement comes as the company officially opened its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Westlink Commercial Park in Oranmore. The new facility will serve as the central hub for the production of the company's Neuromark system, a treatment option designed to target the underlying drivers of chronic Rhinitis. The new Galway jobs will range across key functions in engineering, quality control, operations, supply chain management, and sales and marketing. Originating from the Enterprise Ireland-supported BioInnovate Ireland Programme, Neurent Medical has grown from concept to commercialisation within a decade, emerging as one of the country's MedTech success stories. Since its inception, it said it has leveraged Galway's world-class innovation ecosystem to scale its team, secure FDA regulatory clearances and attract top international clinical collaborators. Brian Shields, CEO of Neurent Medical, said the company was proud to scale its operations in Galway, where the MedTech ecosystem continues to thrive. "Our new Westlink facility gives us the manufacturing capacity to meet growing demand for Neuromark, while creating high skilled employment opportunities and contributing to economic vitality in the west of Ireland," he said. "As an Irish-founded company, we're excited to manufacture our product locally with the exceptional skills available and deliver Irish-engineered MedTech innovation to the world," he added. Jenny Melia, Executive Director and incoming CEO at Enterprise Ireland, said today's announcement of new jobs based here in Oranmore shows that Ireland is leading in research and development within the medical device space. "Neurent Medical has experienced impressive growth in a short period of time beginning its journey through the BioInnovate Ireland Programme here in Galway with further support awarded through EI's Commercialisation fund programme and through the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund administered by Enterprise Ireland for the development of the Neuromark technology," she said. "Supporting Irish companies with the ambition to scale globally is a key priority for Enterprise Ireland and we will continue to work closely with Brian and the team at Neurent Medical to optimise their full international growth potential, creating and sustaining jobs here in the Galway region," she added. Hildegarde Naughton, Minister of State at the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, noted that Galway is home to eight of the world's top 10 MedTech companies. "It is also highly notable that this is an Irish company, supported by Enterprise Ireland, and selling into the US market. I have no doubt, given their impressive growth to date, that this will be but one of many major achievements for the company," she added.


Irish Times
10-06-2025
- Irish Times
US health secretary Kennedy guts vaccine advisory committee
US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has fired all 17 members of a panel of vaccine experts and is in the process of replacing them, his department said on Monday, drawing protest from many scientists. The move is the most far-reaching in a series of actions by Mr Kennedy, a long-time vaccine sceptic, to reshape US regulation of vaccines, food and medicine. Scientists and experts said the changes to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine advisory panel, which recommends how vaccines are used and by whom, would undermine public confidence in health agencies. Mr Kennedy promised the move would raise public confidence. READ MORE 'Today we are prioritising the restoration of public trust above any specific pro- or anti-vaccine agenda,' he said in a statement. Mr Kennedy has for years sowed doubt about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, but he pledged to maintain the country's existing vaccine standards to secure his appointment in US president Donald Trump's administration. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is overseen by his department, has approved a number of vaccines during his tenure despite concerns over his stances. Even so, at least one senior Republican member of Congress expressed doubts about the changes in the panel. Mr Kennedy said the advisory panel is rife with conflicts and has never turned down a vaccine, even though the decision to approve vaccines rests with the FDA. 'That's a tragedy,' said former FDA chief scientist Jesse Goodman. 'This is a highly professional group of scientists and physicians and others ... It's the kind of political meddling that will reduce confidence rather than increase confidence.' The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America called Mr Kennedy's action concerning for public health. 'Upending the [panel's] membership increases uncertainty and vaccine scepticism, undermining the health gains achieved through vaccination,' the industry body said in a statement. Shares of vaccine makers Moderna and BioNTech fell more than 1 per cent, while Pfizer was down marginally in extended trading on Monday. Mr Kennedy said most panel members receive funding from drug companies, although members are required to declare any potential or perceived conflicts of interest that arise in the course of their tenure and any relevant business interests, positions of authority or other connections with organisations relevant to the committee's work. Mr Kennedy provided no specific evidence of industry conflicts of interest among departing panel members. All 17 panel members were appointed under former president Joe Biden's administration, including 13 in 2024. Without their removal, the Trump administration would not have been able to choose a majority of the committee until 2028. – Reuters