First recipient of genetically modified pig kidney transplant dies
Richard "Rick" Slayman, the first man to undergo the groundbreaking genetically modified pig kidney transplant, passed away two months after the historic procedure.
Slayman, 62, who had been battling end-stage kidney disease, underwent the pioneering surgery on March 16 and was discharged to his family's care on April 3.
Following his passing, Slayman's family expressed their deep sorrow but also highlighted the inspiration he provided to millions worldwide.
"Our family is deeply saddened about the sudden passing of our beloved Rick but take great comfort knowing he inspired so many," the family shared.
"We felt and still feel comforted by the optimism he provided patients desperately waiting for a transplant," they added.
The Massachusetts General Hospital (MBH), where the procedure took place, stated on May 11, emphasising that there was no indication that Slayman's death was a result of the transplant.
"Mass General is deeply saddened at the sudden passing of Mr. Rick Slayman. We have no indication that it was the result of his recent transplant," the hospital stated.
"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," they shared.
His doctors, following the pig kidney transplant, confirmed that he no longer needed dialysis as the new organ was functioning well.
In addition to kidney disease, Slayman also battled Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. In 2018, he underwent a human kidney transplant, which began to fail after five years, according to the BBC.
Xenotransplantation, the transplantation of living cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another, has become a resort for addressing the organ shortage. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), As of May 13, 2024, the total waiting list of candidates for people in need of life-saving organ transplants is 104,181. Of those, 58,877 are active waiting list candidates.
Slayman’s passing becomes the third failed transplant of a pig organ into a living human. The first two cases were heart transplants.
