The first-ever transplantation of a genetically edited pig kidney into a human patient has been successfully performed.
The recipient, a 62-year-old man suffering from end-stage kidney disease, is reportedly recovering well, sparking interest in the potential expansion of organ donation options.
World's First Transplantation of Gene-Edited Pig Kidney into a Human Patient
Human organ shortages have long been a challenge in medical transplantation. Researchers have explored alternatives, including pig organs, due to their similar size to human organs.
Prior to transplantation, pig organs undergo genetic modifications using CRISPR gene editing technology to remove certain pig genes and insert human genes.
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) recently announced the groundbreaking procedure conducted by surgeons from the Mass General Transplant Center. Led by medical professionals including Leonardo V. Riella, MD, PhD, and Tatsuo Kawai, MD, PhD, the surgery involved the transplantation of a genetically edited pig kidney with 69 genomic edits into the recipient.
"Nearly seven decades after the first successful kidney transplant, our clinicians have once again demonstrated our commitment to provide innovative treatments and help ease the burden of disease for our patients and others around the world," Anne Klibanski, MD, President and CEO, Mass General Brigham, said in a press release statement.
The success of this transplantation holds potential implications for addressing the global shortage of organs available for transplantation. Mass General Brigham, renowned for its transplantation services, aims to pioneer innovative treatments to benefit patients worldwide.
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The Patient Who Received the Gene-Edited Pig Kidney
The patient, identified as Mr. Richard 'Rick' Slayman, is undergoing post-operative care at MGH and is expected to be discharged soon.
Slayman, previously a recipient of a human deceased donor kidney transplant in 2018, experienced kidney failure approximately five years later. His decision to undergo a pig kidney transplant reflects his desire to improve his quality of life and contribute to medical research efforts.
The transplantation of the pig kidney was made possible through collaboration with eGenesis, a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Mass. The pig donor underwent genetic editing to enhance compatibility with humans, and extensive research conducted in partnership with MGH culminated in the successful transplantation.
The procedure represents a significant milestone in xenotransplantation, offering hope for patients awaiting organ transplantation. With over 100,000 individuals in the U.S. awaiting organ transplants, innovative approaches such as xenotransplantation could alleviate the burden on transplant waiting lists.
The transplantation was performed under a single FDA Expanded Access Protocol (EAP), allowing patients with life-threatening conditions to access experimental treatments. Mr. Slayman also received novel immunosuppressant drugs as part of the procedure.
"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. Our hope is that this transplant approach will offer a lifeline to millions of patients worldwide who are suffering from kidney failure," Kawai said in a statement.
The previous findings of MGH and eGenesis were published in the journal Nature.
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