The First Genetically Modified Pig Kidney Transplant: A Landmark in Medical History
Image source: Massachussets General Hospital
Rick Slayman (seated) pictured with his partner and team of doctors
The medical world achieved a groundbreaking milestone when the first genetically modified pig kidney transplant was successfully performed at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). This historic procedure marks a significant leap forward in the field of transplantation, providing hope for thousands of individuals suffering from end-stage kidney disease.
The recipient of this life-changing transplant is Richard “Rick” Slayman, a 62-year-old patient from Weymouth, Massachusetts. Mr. Slayman had been battling kidney disease and was in desperate need of an organ transplant. After his human kidney transplant failed, doctors proposed the idea of a pig kidney transplant, which presented a promising solution to his deteriorating health.
On March 16, Mr. Slayman underwent a four-hour surgery during which a genetically edited pig kidney was transplanted into his body. This genetically modified pig kidney, created by the Cambridge-based pharmaceutical company eGenesis, was engineered to remove harmful pig genes and introduce specific human genes to enhance compatibility with humans.
Two weeks following the groundbreaking surgery, Mr. Slayman was discharged from the hospital. His doctors reported that his new kidney is functioning well, eliminating the need for dialysis. This successful outcome has sparked hope for a future where an abundant supply of organs, derived from genetically modified animals, can address the global organ shortage crisis.
This transplantation breakthrough provides potential solutions to the challenges faced by ethnic minority communities disproportionately affected by the organ shortage. The implications of genetically modified organs include the achievement of health equity, offering the best solution – a well-functioning kidney – to all patients in need.
With over 100,000 Americans currently on the waitlist for organ transplantation, and only around 23,500 donors available in 2023, the need for innovative solutions cannot be overstated. Daily, 17 individuals in the United States lose their lives while awaiting organ transplants, with kidneys being the most sought-following organs.
While this is the first instance of a pig kidney being transplanted into a human, it is not the first use of pig organs in transplant procedures. Although the risk of organ rejection remains, medical professionals are optimistic regarding the potential of xenotransplantation (interspecies organ transplants) to save countless lives in the future.
Image source: Massachussets General Hospital
