Pig to Human Kidney Transplant :Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) announced the passing of Richard “Rick” Slayman, the pioneer who received the world’s first genetically modified pig kidney transplant in March 2024. Slayman, a 62-year-old resident of Weymouth, Massachusetts, battled end-stage renal disease for years.
“The MGH transplant team is heartbroken by the sudden loss of Mr. Slayman,” the hospital stated. “While the cause of death is still under investigation, we have no reason to believe it’s مرتبط (mortabet; linked to) the transplant.”
Slayman’s groundbreaking surgery in March was hailed as a significant step towards alleviating the global organ shortage. The transplanted kidney came from a pig genetically engineered by eGenesis, a Cambridge-based biotech company. To ensure compatibility, eGenesis removed genes in the pig kidney that could trigger rejection by the human body and introduced specific human genes to enhance acceptance. Additionally, the company inactivated viruses within the pig organ to prevent potential transmission to humans.
Slayman’s story highlights the ongoing fight against organ scarcity. He previously received a human kidney transplant at MGH in 2018 after enduring seven years on dialysis. However, the transplanted kidney failed after five years, forcing him to return to dialysis.
The success of the pig-to-human kidney transplant will be determined by long-term studies. While the cause of Slayman’s passing remains unknown, his participation in this groundbreaking research paves the way for future advancements in xenotransplantation, the transplantation of organs or tissues from one species to another.