Medical First: Man Receives Successful Genetically Modified Pig Kidney Transplant

Published: 04 April 2024 at 07:16

Health

In a historic medical breakthrough, a 62-year-old man from Weymouth, Massachusetts, named Richard "Rick" Slayman, has been discharged from Massachusetts General Hospital after a successful kidney transplant using a genetically modified pig kidney. The pig kidney was modified by eGenesis to improve compatibility with humans by removing harmful pig genes and adding certain human genes. This milestone has the potential to revolutionize organ transplantation and offers hope for those in need of transplants to survive.

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First-ever genetically modified pig kidney transplant into a human

A 62-year-old man received a genetically modified pig kidney transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital, marking a significant step in organ transplantation advancements. The patient, Richard Slayman, who suffers from end-stage kidney disease, underwent a successful four-hour surgery. Experts believe that utilizing animal organs could address the organ shortage crisis, potentially improving patient outcomes. The genetically edited pig kidney, designed to be more compatible with humans, is already functioning in the recipient and showing promising results.

US man gets pig kidney in groundbreaking transplant

Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into Richard Slayman, the first such procedure. Slayman, 62, with end-stage renal failure, is recovering well. The surgery sparks hope for xenotransplantation to address organ shortages. Previous temporary pig kidney transplants were done, and vaping is linked to cancer risk. Slayman's surgery is a milestone, deemed a heroic act, with potential to help many others needing transplants. Researchers have worked on pig genetic modifications since the early 2000s.