US Medical Team Successfully Performs Pig Kidney Transplant on a Living Recipient in the States
First-ever genetically modified pig kidney transplant in a human is making waves
In an extraordinary medical feat, surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston recently performed the first-ever genetically modified pig kidney transplant on a living human. The recipient, 62-year-old Rick Slayman, endured a four-hour surgery and is now recuperating, remaining optimistic about his recovery and eventual release.
For years, Slayman had been battling kidney failure. Despite receiving a human donor kidney at the same hospital six years ago, his body rejected it.
This groundbreaking operation was hailed a "major milestone" due to the pressing issue of human donor organ shortages. Patients often find themselves waiting long periods for transplants.
Although Euronews reported on a similar experiment involving a genetically modified pig kidney transplant in 2021, the procedure was purely experimental, transplanting the organ into a patient whose brain had ceased functioning and who was on life support with no chance of recovery.
recent advancements in genetic engineering make pig organs more compatible with humans by activating key pig genes and adding human genes to minimize immune rejection. Remarkably, genetically modified pig organs have already been successfully transplanted into both brain-dead and living human patients, paving the way for clinical applications.
Genetically modified pig kidney transplants could dramatically reduce the organ transplant shortage, offering hope to the over 100,000 patients on waiting lists in the US alone. Yet, ethical considerations arise when animal organs are transplanted into humans, such as whether the life-saving benefits outweigh any potential risks. Continued research is necessary to ensure long-term viability and safety. The ability to modify pigs genetically to better match human biology marks a significant stride in making xenotransplantation a realistic solution for organ shortage problems.
Science has opened new possibilities in addressing medical-conditions like kidney failure, with the recent genetically modified pig kidney transplant on a human signifying health-and-wellness advancements. This operation, serving as a major milestone, aims to reduce the organ transplant shortage and provide hope to thousands of patients on waiting lists.
