Massachusetts General Hospital announced the successful transplantation of a genetically modified pig kidney into a 66-year-old man with kidney failure. This is the fourth pig kidney transplant in the US and the first of three as part of a new clinical trial sanctioned by the FDA.
The shortage of human donor organs has led to over 100,000 people waiting for transplants, mostly kidneys. The lack of available organs has resulted in many deaths while waiting. To address this issue, biotech companies have been editing pig genes to make their organs compatible with the human body.
A new clinical trial using genetically engineered pig organs produced by eGenesis is one of two studies sanctioned by regulators earlier this week. Another study sponsored by United Therapeutics Corporation will begin later this year with six patients but could eventually include 50 patients.
The recipient, Tim Andrews, had been on dialysis for over two years and experienced significant improvement after the transplant. He was able to walk again and regained his energy, feeling like a “new engine” after the surgery. Although there is still uncertainty about insurance coverage and costs, experts believe that genetically edited pig organs could be a viable long-term solution for patients.
This breakthrough marks an important next step in making genetically modified pig organs a reality, according to Dr. Tatsuo Kawai, lead surgeon involved in the operation.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/07/health/fourth-pig-kidney-transplant.html