Surgeons successfully transplant genetically edited pig kidney into U.S. man
A 66-year-old man from New Hampshire, Tim Andrews, recently made medical history by becoming only the second person known to be living with a pig kidney. After months of hard work and dedication to getting in good enough shape to be part of a small pilot study of a highly experimental treatment, Andrews underwent the groundbreaking transplant on January 25th.
Andrews’ journey began when his kidneys abruptly failed around two years ago, leading to complications from dialysis and a struggle with fatigue. Despite being on the transplant list, doctors warned him that finding a matching kidney could take seven years or more due to his blood type. Meanwhile, the grandfather from Concord, N.H., was getting sicker on dialysis, with a five-year survival rate of only about 50 per cent. Andrews was determined to explore all options, leading him to inquire about the possibility of a pig kidney transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital.
With the support of the medical team at Mass General, Andrews embarked on a rigorous physical therapy regimen to improve his fitness and overall health. After six months of hard work, he returned to the hospital significantly lighter and in much better shape. Following intense cardiac fitness exams, Andrews was deemed a suitable candidate for the pilot study.
The surgery was a success, with Andrews waking up in the recovery room feeling like a new man. His pig kidney began producing urine in the operating room and has since been functioning normally without any signs of rejection. Andrews spent a week in Boston for post-operative checkups before being discharged to return home to New Hampshire.
This milestone in xenotransplantation comes at a crucial time in the quest to address the shortage of donated human organs. With previous pig organ transplants having short-lived success, Andrews’ positive outcome offers hope for the future of this innovative treatment. Doctors are now moving towards more formal studies, with FDA approval for additional transplants in the pilot study at Mass General Brigham and the world’s first clinical trial of xenotransplantation by United Therapeutics.
While it is too early to predict the long-term success of Andrews’ pig kidney transplant, doctors remain optimistic about his prognosis. Even in the event of failure, Andrews would still qualify for a human transplant without losing his waiting time on the transplant list. His story serves as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges, inspiring them to never give up on the possibility of a better future.
As Andrews looks forward to returning to his old dialysis clinic to share his story of hope, he serves as a reminder that with perseverance and determination, anything is possible. The groundbreaking success of his pig kidney transplant marks a significant step forward in the field of organ transplantation, offering new possibilities for patients in need.
