The medical world recently celebrated a historic breakthrough in xenotransplantation with the first pig kidney transplant into a human being. This four-hour intervention, carried out on March 16, opens new perspectives in the field of organ and tissue transplantation between different species.
The patient behind this medical feat is Richard Slayman, a 62-year-old African-American man suffering from end-stage renal failure. After undergoing seven years of dialysis and a first human kidney transplant in December 2018, he faced further kidney failure five years later, putting him back on dialysis in May 2023.
The donor organ, a genetically modified pig kidney, underwent 69 genomic modifications to ensure its compatibility and proper functioning in humans. Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology, unwanted pig genes were removed and human genes were added to improve compatibility. Additionally, viral residues have been removed to avoid any risk to the human recipient.
The transplant was successfully performed, despite the additional challenges of Slayman’s severe vascular disease. The pig kidney was connected to the patient’s arteries and veins, and the ureter was connected to his bladder. Doctors will closely monitor Slayman’s kidney function through regular blood and urine tests, as well as frequent physical exams.
This medical feat raises fascinating questions about the future of organ transplantation and opens the door to new possibilities for patients suffering from end-stage kidney disease. MGH plans to continue to closely monitor Slayman’s health to evaluate the long-term success of this groundbreaking transplant.