FDA approves gene-editing technology for swine

Photo: Budimir Jevtic/Adobe Stock

The FDA recently approved a gene-editing technology used to make swine resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), a highly contagious disease for which there is no effective treatment. The technology, developed by the Pig Improvement Company (PIC), is among the first to receive FDA approval for the gene editing of commercial livestock in the United States and will be used to breed PRRS-resistant swine.

The FDA approval, which was granted on April 30, 2025, deems the technology to be safe and effective. The gene edit could provide a new tool for farmers and pork producers managing PRRS. “We have spent years conducting extensive research, validating our findings and working with the FDA to gain approval,” Matt Culbertson, chief operating officer of PIC, said in a news release.¹ “Today marks a major milestone for consumers, farmers and the entire pork industry who have desperately hoped for a solution to PRRS.”

In breeding animals, PRRS can cause reproductive impairment or failure, in addition to causing respiratory disease in pigs of any age, leading to premature death.^1,2 The disease also suppresses the immune system of pigs, making these animals more prone to secondary infections that may require antibiotics.³

PRRS is the most economically impactful disease in US swine production since classical swine fever was eradicated.² According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the disease caused a loss of approximately $1.2 billion annually in the US pork industry production from 2016 to 2020, representing an 80% increase compared to the previous decade.³ Still, PRRS affects swine globally, particularly in major swine-raising countries.²

Beyond its financial toll, PRRS affects animal welfare, increases the need for antibiotics, and raises the environmental footprint of raising swine. “Addressing PRRS can allow us to improve animal welfare and reduce the environmental impact of raising pigs,” said Banks Baker, global director of product sustainability, in a new release.¹ “Recent research indicates that PRRS increases the need for antibiotics by more than 200%. Plus, a recent ISO-conformant lifecycle assessment found that eliminating PRRS could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5% in the US.”

According to PIC, Colombia and Brazil have “already issued positive determinations” for the technology behind PRRS-resistant pigs and will regulate them as they would any other pigs.¹ “We are committed to the responsible and intentional introduction of the PRRS-resistant pig around the globe,” said Culbertson.1 “Gaining FDA approval for the technology is an important step in this process, and we are working with additional countries to gain regulatory approval and protect global trade prior to initiating sales and delivery.”

References

1. PIC receives FDA approval for technology used to breed PRRS-resistant pigs. News release. Pig Improvement Company. April 30, 2025. Accessed May 16, 2025. https://www.pic.com/pic-receives-fda-approval-for-technology-used-to-breed-prrs-resistant-pigs/
2. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Accessed May 16, 2025. https://vetmed.iastate.edu/vdpam/about/focus-areas/swine/swine-disease-manual/index-diseases/porcine-reproductive#:~:text=PRRS%20is%20an%20acronym%20(porcine,in%20pigs%20of%20any%20age.
3. FDA approves gene-editing tech creating PRRS-resistant pigs. American Veterinary Medical Association. May 6, 2025. Accessed May 16, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/fda-approves-gene-editing-tech-creating-prrs-resistant-pigs