The world’s first patient with a transplanted pig kidney has died, almost two months after the operation.
In March, Massachusetts General Hospital transplanted the
genetically-edited pig kidney into Rick Slayman, a 62-year-old man living with
end-stage kidney disease.
The operation was a milestone in xenotransplantation – the
transplantation of organs or tissues from one species to another – as a
potential solution to the worldwide organ shortage, the hospital said at the
time.
Slayman’s death was not linked to the transplant, the
hospital reported.
“Our family is deeply saddened about the sudden passing of
our beloved Rick but take great comfort knowing he inspired so many,” his
family said on Sunday.
Slayman’s family paid tribute to the medical team that cared
for him.
“Their enormous efforts leading to the xenotransplant gave
our family seven more weeks with Rick, and our memories made during that time
will remain in our minds and hearts.”
NAN reports that the pig kidney came from a pig that was
genetically edited to remove harmful pig genes and add certain human genes to
improve its compatibility with humans. Scientists also inactivated porcine
endogenous retroviruses in the pig donor to eliminate any risk of infection in
humans.
The hospital said it was “deeply saddened” by Slayman’s
death.
“We have no indication that it was the result of his recent
transplant,”
“Mr Slayman will forever be seen as a beacon of hope to
countless transplant patients worldwide and we are deeply grateful for his trust
and willingness to advance the field of xenotransplantation,” it said.
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