On Dec. 14, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a first-of-its-kind intentional genomic alteration (IGA) in a line of domestic pigs, referred to as GalSafe pigs, which may be used for food or human therapeutics. This was the first IGA in an animal that the FDA has approved for both human food consumption and as a source for potential therapeutic uses.

The IGA in GalSafe pigs, developed by Virginia-based Revivicor, is intended to eliminate alpha-gal sugar on the surface of the pigsﾒ cells. People with Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) may have mild to severe allergic reactions to alpha-gal sugar found in red meat (e.g., beef, pork, and lamb).