The first man to receive a genetically modified kidney transplant from a pig has been discharged from hospital.
Richard ‘Rick’ Slayman, 62, who had been suffering from end-stage kidney disease, no longer needs dialysis after the procedure at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Harvard Medical School’s biggest teaching hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.
The pig kidney, which was genetically modified to minimise the risk of rejection, was transplanted into Slayman on 16 March in a four-hour surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital.
It marks a significant milestone in the field of organ transplantation.
Slayman had been battling end-stage kidney disease and had previously received a human kidney transplant in 2018.
However, the transplant failed five years later, compelling him to resume dialysis in May 2023.
Facing deteriorating health and complications from repeated dialysis, Slayman opted for the experimental pig kidney transplant as a potential lifesaving measure.
The genetically modified pig kidney, developed by the biotechnology company eGenesis, was designed to minimise the risk of rejection by eliminating harmful pig genes and incorporating human genes to enhance compatibility.
Despite the success of the transplantation, Slayman continues to take anti-rejection medications, and the long-term viability of the pig kidney remains uncertain.
US surgeons and medical experts have praised Slayman’s courage, hailing him as a ‘real hero’ for his willingness to undergo this pioneering procedure.
The surgery represents a significant step forward in addressing the chronic shortage of human donor organs and offers hope to millions of patients worldwide suffering from kidney failure.
Massachusetts General Hospital, a leading institution in transplantation services, conducted the four-hour surgery under the leadership of Dr Tatsuo Kawai, Dr Leonardo V Riella and Dr Nahel Elias.
The hospital has a rich history of innovation in organ transplant, including the world’s first successful human kidney transplant in 1954.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the transplant under an Expanded Access Protocol, or ‘compassionate use’, which grants experimental treatment access to patients with life-threatening diseases.
Slayman’s successful recovery is a testament to the collaborative efforts of medical professionals, researchers, and scientists who have dedicated years to advancing xenotransplantation.
According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), over 100,000 people in the US are awaiting organ transplants, and 17 people die each day while waiting. The successful pig kidney transplant opens up new possibilities for addressing this critical organ shortage and offers a potential solution to this pressing healthcare issue.
In a statement, Slayman expressed gratitude to his care team at MGH and acknowledged the significance of his journey, not only for himself but also for others awaiting organ transplants. He emphasised the importance of innovative treatments like xenotransplantation in providing hope and improving the quality of life for patients with end-stage organ failure.
Photo captions-
Melissa Mattola-Kiatos, RN, Nursing Practice Specialist, removes the pig kidney from its box to prepare for transplantation. Credit: Massachusetts General Hospital
