Richard “Rick” Slayman, 62, of Weymouth, Massachusetts, has become the first human in the world to get a successful kidney transplant from a genetically altered pig. The four-hour treatment was conducted last Saturday at Massachusetts General Hospital and represents a significant advancement in the field of transplantation.
Slayman, who is Black, has been suffering from end-stage kidney disease caused by Type 2 diabetes and hypertension for several years. Slayman’s situation provided a unique issue, as he had previously received a human kidney transplant in December 2018, which began to fail in 2023. However, he welcomed the opportunity to pioneer this unique method of transplantation. He saw it not only as a way to improve his quality of life but also as a beacon of hope for many others needing a transplant.
Dr. Winfred Williams, Slayman’s nephrologist, praised his patient’s bravery in paving the road for this revolutionary operation. Williams stressed the transplant’s importance not only for the possibility of saving Slayman’s life but also for addressing the long-standing imbalance in organ transplant access among ethnic minority patients.eGenesis, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based business, used CRISPR technology to create the genetically altered pig kidney used in the donation. This novel approach entailed removing harmful pig genes while incorporating specific human genes to improve compatibility with the human body. Furthermore, efforts were taken to inactivate pig viruses that could pose a risk to humans.
The procedure was carried out under a compassionate use protocol issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which permits the use of experimental medicines for patients with life-threatening diseases when no other options exist.
Dr. Leonardo Riella, medical director for kidney transplantation at Massachusetts General Hospital, led the application for this exception, which the FDA approved in late February.
Dr. Riella stressed the urgent need for answers to the organ scarcity situation, which has left thousands of patients on waiting lists, many of whom may die before receiving a transplant. He voiced faith in xenotransplantation as a possible way to relieve the situation.
The successful outcome of Rick Slayman’s breakthrough operation gives hope not just for his future, but also for the countless people waiting for life-saving organ transplants throughout the world. As medical research advances, such accomplishments pave the way for a better, more fair future in healthcare.
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