Richard Slayman, the first person to receive a kidney transplant from a genetically modified pig in the United States, passed away two months after the procedure. Scientists are exploring various methods to combat organ failure, one of which involves genetically modifying pigs to grow organs suitable for human transplantation. Approximately two months ago, a historic event in this field occurred when the genetically modified kidneys of a pig were transplanted into a human for the first time.
The individual who made history with the first pig-to-human kidney transplant was Richard “Rick” Slayman. Sadly, Slayman passed away approximately two months after the operation. Researchers had expected the new kidneys to last for at least two years. It was clarified that Slayman’s death was not related to the transplant.
The organ transplant team from Massachusetts General Hospital expressed deep sorrow over Slayman’s passing, extending their condolences to his family in a statement. Additionally, it was emphasized that Slayman’s death was unrelated to the transplant procedure.
In their statement, Slayman’s family thanked the doctors and the hospital, highlighting that the transplant procedure provided a ray of hope for thousands of people awaiting organ transplants.
Richard “Rick” Slayman became the first living human to receive a genetically modified pig organ transplant. Prior to Slayman, two patients with brain death had also received pig hearts, and those patients had also passed away months after the transplant.
