US surgeons have made history by successfully transplanting a kidney from a genetically modified pig into a person who is alive, the hospital announced on Thursday. This breakthrough operation could potentially ease the severe shortage of available organs for transplant. The surgery, which lasted four hours, was performed on a 62-year-old man with advanced kidney disease at Massachusetts General Hospital (Mass General or MGH). The hospital stated that this operation is a significant step forward in the effort to make more organs available to those in need.
Globally, there is a persistent issue with the lack of enough organ donors, and Mass General reported that over 1,400 individuals are waiting for a kidney transplant at their facility alone. Dr. Tatsuo Kawai, a member of the surgical team, expressed hope that this new method of transplant could become a life-saving option for millions suffering from kidney failure worldwide.
The pig kidney came from eGenesis, a biotech firm in Massachusetts, and was genetically altered to eliminate certain pig genes and include human ones, aiming to reduce the risk of rejection. Mike Curtis, CEO of eGenesis, highlighted this as a pioneering step in medicine, showing how genetic engineering can significantly impact those with kidney failure across the globe.
The patient, Richard Slayman from Weymouth, Massachusetts, is recovering well and should be leaving the hospital soon. He will continue taking medication to prevent his body from rejecting the new kidney. Slayman, who has Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, had previously received a human kidney transplant in 2018, which failed after five years, leading him back to dialysis. He viewed his participation in this pig kidney transplant not only as a personal benefit but as a beacon of hope for many awaiting organ transplants.
The hospital also noted the potential benefits of this procedure for ethnic minorities, who experience higher rates of kidney disease. Slayman’s doctor, Winfred Williams, mentioned that this technological advancement could significantly contribute to health equality by providing a reliable source of organs for all patients in need.
This operation is part of the growing field of xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs between different species. While pig kidneys have been transplanted into brain-dead individuals before, Slayman is the first living recipient of such a transplant. Previous attempts at transplanting genetically modified pig hearts into patients showed limited success.
Mass General explained that the pigs used for organ donation were raised in controlled environments to minimize infection risks and that their organs are similar in size and function to human organs. The genetic modifications made them more compatible with humans. The transplant was performed under a “compassionate use” policy, allowing access to experimental treatments for patients with severe or life-threatening conditions, even though the Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved this method.
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