Natco Pharma is deepening its investment in clinical-stage biotechnology company eGenesis, increasing its planned investment through subsidiaries to $16.7 million from the earlier announced $14 million.

Under the revised investment plan, Natco Pharma’s Canadian subsidiary will invest $13.7 million, while Natco Pharma USA LLC will contribute $3 million. On completion of the transaction, Natco’s total investment in eGenesis will rise to $24.7 million.

Natco, through its Canadian subsidiary, had in 2024 invested $8 million in eGenesis, which is developing porcine solid organ donors using its multiplex gene-editing and genome-engineering platform, with the aim of addressing the shortage of human organs available for patients suffering from organ failure.

The company is currently advancing programmes focused on kidney transplantation, acute liver failure and heart transplantation. In March 2024, eGenesis achieved a milestone by announcing the world’s first transplant of a genetically modified pig kidney into a living human patient. The procedure was conducted under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Expanded Access pathway.

The company subsequently performed pig kidney transplants in two additional patients, with Natco stating that the outcomes so far have been “exceptionally positive”.

Generic drugmaker Natco Pharma is investing an additional $14 million in U.S.-based biotechnology company eGenesis, which is developing genetically engineered, human-compatible organs for transplantation.

The latest investment will be made through convertible promissory notes by Natco Pharma’s subsidiaries. Natco Pharma (Canada) Inc. will invest $9.5 million, while Natco Pharma South Africa Proprietary Ltd will contribute the remaining $4.5 million.

Natco Pharma had invested $8 million in eGenesis in September 2024 through preferred stock. With the latest investment, its total investment in the biotechnology firm will rise to $22 million.

eGenesis is developing genome-engineered organs aimed at addressing the global shortage of transplantable organs and improving treatment options for patients suffering from organ failure. Its proprietary EGEN (eGenesis Genome Engineering and Production) platform is designed to address cross-species molecular incompatibilities and associated viral risks.

The company is currently advancing programmes focused on kidney transplantation, acute liver failure and heart transplantation.

In March 2024, eGenesis announced the world’s first porcine kidney transplant in a living human patient. The procedure was conducted under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Expanded Access pathway. The company has since reported two additional porcine kidney transplants, with outcomes described as exceptionally positive.

Natco Pharma shares closed 1.92% lower at ₹866.45 apiece on the BSE on Tuesday.