In a world first, a man lived for nine months without needing dialysis after receiving a kidney from a genetically modified pig.
Tim Andrews, 66, from New Hampshire in the New England region of the northeastern United States, was suffering from end-stage kidney failure as a result of type 2 diabetes, before undergoing this pioneering procedure in the United States in January 2025.
Doctors explained that the animal organ, taken from a Yucatan pig and genetically modified to be compatible with the human immune system, served as a temporary "bridge" while Andrews awaited a transplant from a human donor. He lived successfully with the genetically modified organ for 271 days before transitioning to a short period of dialysis, and then receiving a kidney from a human donor.
The medical teams said this milestone represents the longest recorded period of survival without dialysis following a pig kidney transplant into a living patient, and the first successful transplant from a pig kidney to a human kidney. The kidney was transplanted in January 2025 and began functioning immediately, but after about six months, damage to the kidney's blood vessels progressed to organ failure. The pig kidney was removed, and Andrews later received a kidney from a deceased human donor.
In a CNN documentary, Andrews described the pig kidney transplant as a "miracle," adding that he was now able to cook, clean the house, and go for long walks with his dog.
The researchers said that no swine viruses or other pathogens were detected at any time, and added that the findings support pig kidney transplantation as a potential bridge for people who have long waits for a human kidney, while emphasizing the need for further research.
The team from academic centers and hospitals at Massachusetts General Hospital recently published their findings in the medical journal The Lancet.
Lead author Dr. Leonardo Rela, from the Transplant Science Center at Massachusetts General Hospital, said, "The organ shortage is the biggest crisis we face right now in transplantation. We know that transplantation is the best treatment option for patients with end-stage renal failure, but we simply don't have enough human organs available for transplantation in a timely manner. We believe that organ transplantation from animals can help bridge this gap, either as a temporary bridge or as a permanent treatment in the future." He praised the courage of the patients who are making this progress possible
Another pig kidney transplant into a living patient was performed in 2024 at Massachusetts General Hospital, where the patient survived for 52 days before dying from heart problems unrelated to the transplant.
what is your opinion on this news ?do let us know in the comments on tha comment box
if you liked this news article please share on friends & family & don't forget to follow on website & social media
