Article Summary –
Richard “Rick” Slayman, the first person to undergo a kidney transplant from a genetically modified pig, has passed away nearly two months after the surgery. The transplant operation, performed at Massachusetts General Hospital, was viewed as a medical milestone and a potential solution for the severe scarcity of human kidneys available for transplant, with nearly 90,000 people on the national waiting list. The pig kidney was engineered by biotech company eGenesis to improve compatibility with human recipients, with three genes removed, seven added, and harmful pig retroviruses deactivated.
First Recipient of Genetically Modified Pig Kidney, Richard “Rick” Slayman Passes Away
Richard “Rick” Slayman, groundbreaking recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney at 62, passed away two months post-procedure. Massachusetts General Hospital, site of the operation, announced his death with a statement expressing deep sorrow. The hospital clarified there was no evidence linking his passing to the transplant.
Slayman suffered from end-stage kidney disease, a condition affecting over 800,000 Americans, with particularly high rates among Black communities. His passing underscores the significant need for organ donations in the US, with nearly 90,000 patients currently awaiting kidney transplants.
About Rick Slayman and His Journey
A supervisor for the Massachusetts state transportation department, Slayman had previously received a human kidney in 2018. When this organ started to fail in 2023, leading to congestive heart failure, doctors proposed the innovative pig kidney transplant. Viewing the experimental procedure as a beacon of hope for fellow transplant candidates, Slayman agreed.
The four-hour surgery marked a milestone in medical history, especially in the field of xenotransplantation. Despite challenges with organ rejection due to the human body’s immune response to animal tissue, advances in genetic engineering are making these transplants increasingly viable.
The Role of Genetic Engineering
Bio-tech company eGenesis, based in Cambridge, Mass., used cutting-edge genetic engineering to modify the pig kidney for compatibility with Slayman. They eliminated three genes and introduced seven others while also neutralizing pig-borne retroviruses potentially harmful to humans.
eGenesis paid tribute to Slayman as a ‘true pioneer’ whose bravery is paving the way for kidney disease patients. Two weeks post-surgery, Slayman left the hospital with a clean bill of health. His family described him as kind, quick-witted, and dedicated, stating that his experience has inspired countless people.
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