Surgeons in the United States have conducted the first-ever kidney transplant from a pig to a human in a landmark medical achievement
This groundbreaking procedure, performed at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, marks a significant milestone in the field of transplantation and offers new hope to the thousands of patients waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.
The breakthrough surgery
On March 16, a team of doctors successfully transplanted a kidney from a genetically modified pig into 62-year-old Richard Slayman, who was suffering from end-stage renal disease. The surgery, which lasted four hours, has been hailed as a major step forward in making more organs available for transplantation.
The pig kidney used in this transplant was provided by eGenesis, a company specializing in the genetic editing of pigs to make their organs more compatible with humans.
The patient’s journey into kidney surgery
Richard Slayman, a resident of Weymouth, Massachusetts, had previously undergone a human kidney transplant in 2018 after spending seven years on dialysis. Unfortunately, the transplanted organ failed after five years, forcing him to resume dialysis treatments.
The recent transplant of the pig kidney has given him a new lease on life, and he is reportedly recovering well, with expectations of being discharged from the hospital soon.
The science behind the surgery
The success of this transplant can be attributed to the advancements in genetic editing. The pig kidney used was engineered by eGenesis to remove genes harmful to human recipients and to add certain human genes for better compatibility.
Additionally, the company inactivated viruses inherent to pigs that could potentially infect humans. The transplant also involved the use of an experimental antibody, tegoprubart, developed by Eledon Pharmaceuticals, to help prevent the patient’s immune system from rejecting the pig organ.
What to expect
The successful kidney transplant from a pig to a human is a significant achievement in the field of xenotransplantation, which involves the transplantation of animal organs into humans. With over 100,000 people in the U.S. awaiting organ transplants, the majority of whom need kidneys, this breakthrough could potentially revolutionize the way we address the organ shortage crisis.
Transplant centers are now exploring various gene editing and medication approaches, awaiting FDA authorization to conduct clinical trials that could provide further insights into optimizing treatments for patients on waiting lists.
The successful pig kidney transplant represents a promising advancement in transplantation medicine, offering hope to countless patients suffering from kidney failure. As research and clinical trials continue, we may soon see a future where the organ shortage is significantly alleviated, thanks to the potential of xenotransplantation.
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