Rick Slayman, 62, has become the first person to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant.
After a successful surgery that lasted four hours on March 16th at Massachusetts General Hospital, Slayman was discharged from the hospital just weeks later.
“This moment — leaving the hospital today with one of the cleanest bills of health I’ve had in a long time — is one I wish would come for many years. Now, it’s a reality and one of the happiest moments of my life,” said Slayman in a press release.
Slayman had been battling end-stage kidney disease amid the taxing demands of dialysis, before he became a pioneer in this maiden procedure. Expressing his relief, he said, “I’m excited to resume spending time with my family, friends, and loved ones, free from the burden of dialysis that has affected my quality of life for many years.”
The transplantation involved a kidney from a genetically edited pig donor, engineered to remove harmful pig genes and incorporate specific human genes to enhance compatibility with humans. This innovative approach holds immense promise for addressing the critical shortage of human organs for transplantation.
Dr. Emily Harris, one of the lead surgeons in Slayman’s case, highlighted the significance of this milestone. “The successful transplantation of a pig kidney marks a significant advancement in the field of transplantation. This achievement opens up new possibilities for addressing the organ shortage crisis and improving the lives of countless patients awaiting life-saving transplants.”
While Slayman’s case marks the first instance of a pig kidney transplant, the procedure follows two earlier pig heart transplants in living recipients. Conducted by the University of Maryland in 2022 and 2023, respectively, these earlier attempts faced challenges, with both recipients tragically succumbing to complications within months of the procedure. However, insights gained from these experiences have informed subsequent endeavours, enhancing the prospects of success.
According to Donate Life America, approximately 16 people in the United States die each day while awaiting organ transplants, underscoring the urgency of innovation in this field. With over 100,000 individuals currently on the organ transplant waiting list, the demand far outstrips the available supply. Kidney transplants, in particular, constitute the bulk of these procedures, with 86% of patients awaiting this life-saving intervention.
