World's First Living Person Receives Genetically-Edited Pig Kidney

infoPhoto byPiron GuillaumeonUnsplash

In a groundbreaking medical achievement, a 62-year-old man from Weymouth, Massachusetts, has become the first person in the world to receive a genetically-edited pig kidney transplant while still alive. Richard 'Rick' Slayman, the recipient, is currently recuperating at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and is anticipated to be discharged soon.

This pioneering transplant, carried out by a surgical team led by Dr. Tatsuo Kawai, Dr. Nahel Elias, and Dr. Leonardo Riella at MGH, marks a significant milestone in the field of xenotransplantation. Xenotransplantation involves the transplantation of organs or tissues from one species to another and offers a potential solution to the global organ shortage crisis.

The procedure, which lasted four hours on March 16, involved connecting the pig kidney's blood vessels and ureter with those of Mr. Slayman, who had been grappling with end-stage kidney disease. The success of this transplant was facilitated by the collaboration and dedication of numerous teams and specialists at MGH, including physicians, surgeons, scientists, anesthesiologists, and nurses.

This historic achievement was made possible under a single FDA Expanded Access Protocol, which grants access to experimental treatments or trials for patients with serious, life-threatening illnesses or conditions when no comparable treatment options exist. Additionally, Mr. Slayman received infusion of novel immunosuppressant drugs provided by Eledon Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc.

The pig kidney used in the transplant was sourced from eGenesis of Cambridge, which utilized CRISPR-Cas9 technology to genetically edit the pig donor, removing harmful pig genes and incorporating certain human genes to enhance compatibility with humans. Furthermore, scientists deactivated porcine endogenous retroviruses in the pig donor to eliminate any risk of infection in humans.

This monumental achievement not only offers hope to millions of patients worldwide suffering from kidney failure but also highlights the tireless commitment of medical professionals and researchers to advancing the field of transplantation science. With over 100,000 people in the U.S. awaiting organ transplants and 17 individuals dying each day due to organ shortages, this breakthrough represents a beacon of hope for those in need.

Mr. Slayman's courage and willingness to embark on this groundbreaking medical journey have paved the way for future advancements in organ transplantation. His bravery and the collaborative efforts of medical teams at MGH exemplify the spirit of innovation and dedication to improving patient care.

As we celebrate this historic achievement, let us acknowledge Mr. Slayman's role as a trailblazer in the field of transplantation and express gratitude to all those who have contributed to this monumental breakthrough in medical science. With xenotransplantation emerging as a promising solution to the organ shortage crisis, the future holds immense potential for transforming the lives of countless individuals worldwide.