First Human Receives Gene-Edited Pig Kidney Transplant

For the first time, a genetically modified pig kidney has been successfully implanted into a living patient. The recipient is reportedly recovering well weeks after the procedure, sparking optimism for a larger supply of transplantable organs in the future.

While organ transplants offer life-saving potential, the scarcity of human donors remains a persistent challenge. To address this, scientists have turned to pigs as a potential source of organs due to their similar size to humans.

However, before transplantation, pig organs require genetic modifications using tools like CRISPR to remove specific pig genes, incorporate human genes, and eliminate pig retroviruses that could trigger rejection.

Setback in Pig Heart Transplants

Two patients had previously undergone transplants of genetically modified pig hearts, but unfortunately, both passed away within months. However, experiments with pig kidney transplants have shown promise, functioning effectively in brain-dead patients for up to two months during trials.

Now, a living patient has achieved a significant milestone by receiving a pig kidney transplant for the first time. Richard Slayman, a 62-year-old from Weymouth, Massachusetts, who has been battling end-stage kidney disease, underwent the procedure on Saturday, March 16, at Massachusetts General Hospital. As of last week, reports indicated that Slayman was recovering well and that doctors anticipated discharging him soon.

Expressing his outlook on the transplant, Slayman stated, “I saw it not only as a way to help me, but a way to provide hope for the thousands of people who need a transplant to survive.”

Kidney Transplant Waitlist Woes

According to the Health Resources & Services Administration, nearly 90,000 patients in the US were awaiting kidney transplants in 2023, while fewer than 16,000 received one. Tragically, approximately 17 individuals perish daily while awaiting a transplant.

The concept of “xenotransplantation” – transplanting organs from animals into humans – holds promise for expanding the historically limited donor pool, potentially reducing wait times and saving lives. This latest achievement represents a significant step forward in making this approach a viable option.

Under the FDA’s Expanded Access Protocol (EAP), commonly known as compassionate use, doctors performed the procedure.

This protocol grants a one-time exception to patients with life-threatening conditions who have exhausted all other treatment options, permitting them to undergo experimental procedures. Ongoing monitoring of Slayman’s progress by doctors and scientists may offer valuable insights for future xenotransplantation trials.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

Read more: Genetically Edited Pig Kidneys Function Well After Being Transplanted into Humans