The new era of animal-to-human kidney transplantation is off to a good start.
Slaymans new kidney gives the impression of functioning as expected two weeks post-surgery.
And the hope is that the organs from these pigs can be safely tolerated by the recipients immune system.
Slayman’s new pig kidney sitting on ice, about to be transplanted.Photo: Massachusetts General Hospital
Over the past few years, there have been several early successful tests of the technology in humans.
Much like Bennett and Faucette, Slayman was allowed to undergo this experimental procedure due to his limited options.
By 2023, however, the kidney had begun to fail.
Scientists removed three pig genes and added seven human genes to improve the pigs compatibility.
They also inactivated several porcine endogenous retroviruses, which are integrated into every pigs genome.
Slayman did experience symptoms of cellular rejection eight days after the procedure, a common transplant complication.
But his doctors were able to treat it with steroids and other immune-dampening drugs.
So far, Slaymans new kidney feels like working as hoped, filtering out waste products and producing urine.
And he has now recovered well enough to be sent home.
Now, its a reality and one of the happiest moments of my life.
It will take time to know whether Slaymans body will accept the new organ long-term.
But for now, theres reason to be optimistic.
The success of this transplant is the culmination of efforts by thousands of scientists and physicians over several decades.
We are privileged to have played a significant role in this milestone.
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