By Emmanuel Nduka
Rick Slayman, a 62-year-old American Man who was the world’s first patient with a transplanted pig kidney has died, almost two months after the successful operation.
Heritage Times HT recalls that recently in March, Massachusetts General Hospital transplanted the genetically-edited pig kidney into Slayman who was living with end-stage kidney disease.
While the operation was a milestone in xenotransplantation, Slayman’s death was not linked to the transplant, according to the hospital.
“Our family is deeply saddened about the sudden passing of our beloved Rick but take great comfort knowing he inspired so many.
“Their enormous efforts leading to the xenotransplant gave our family seven more weeks with Rick, and our memories made during that time will remain in our minds and hearts,” his family said on Sunday.
The pig kidney came from a pig that was genetically-edited to remove harmful pig genes and add certain human genes to improve its compatibility with humans. Scientists also inactivated porcine endogenous retroviruses in the pig donor to eliminate any risk of infection in humans.
The hospital said it was “deeply saddened” by Slayman’s death.
“We have no indication that it was the result of his recent transplant. 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,” the hospital said.
