The first genetically modified pig kidney transplantation lead to death of man after two months of operation. The patient named Richard “Rick” Slayman of age 62 years was suffering with kidney at end stage before transplantation in March. Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) denied transplantation being reason of death on Sunday.
Transplantation of genetically modified pigs kidney in Mr Slayman lead to a historic milestone as it has failed in the past. Other than kidney disease, Mr Slayman was also suffering from type 2 diabetes and hypertension. In past he also had a human kidney transplant in 2018 but it started failing after five years. After transplantation on March 16, doctors informed that there is no need of dialysis now.
“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,” MGH said in a statement. The process of transplantation of living cells, tissues or organs from one species to another is called Xenotransplantation. MGH offered condolences and said him as an inspiration.
They also said that, “Rick said that one of the reasons he underwent this procedure was to provide hope for the thousands of people who need a transplant to survive.” “Rick accomplished that goal and his hope and optimism will endure forever.” “To us, Rick was a kind-hearted man with a quick-witted sense of humour who was fiercely dedicated to his family, friends, and co-workers,” they added.
Pig kidney is not the first organ of pig to be transplanted into a human. In past, pig’s heart was also transplanted into a human but these transplantation were unsuccessful that lead to death of those patient within few weeks. The reason behind the death due to transplantation, is when a patient’s immune system rejected a foreign organ than it lead to death.