A patient transplanted with a genetically modified pig kidney dies. Science

Richard Slayman, the first person to have a genetically modified pig kidney transplanted, has died at the age of 62, nearly two months after xenotransplantation, the use of cells, tissues or organs from animals to transplant them into a human recipient goes. Massachusetts General Hospital and Saliman’s family announced the death last Saturday, although the medical center claims there is no indication it was caused by the transplant.

The death has disappointed the forecasts of the medical team, who had hoped that xenotransplantation could work for two years. Slayman, born in Weymouth, Massachusetts, was the first living person to undergo the procedure, which has failed on other occasions because the human immune system destroys the foreign animal tissue. In fact, this technique was previously tested on two people with pig hearts and the results were similar.

David Bennett lived for two months with a genetically modified pig’s heart in his chest and died in March 2022. Lawrence Fawcett, 58, died last November after receiving a transplant with similar characteristics in September. Both were suffering from incurable heart disease and were transferred to the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.

Slayman received a human kidney six years ago, but his body rejected it and he had to undergo frequent dialysis. This was when the patient accepted the offer to receive an organ from a genetically modified pig.

“I am excited to once again spend time with my family, friends and loved ones without the burden of dialysis, which has impacted my quality of life for many years. “Today is a new beginning not only for me, but also for them,” Slayman said last April, after receiving permission to follow the development at home and in reference to the patients who depend on the transplant.

In a statement, Slayman’s family thanked the doctors for their work: “Their tremendous efforts in leading the xenotransplant gave our family seven more weeks with Rick (Richard) and the memories created during that time will be in our hearts and minds. Will stay in.”

He also highlights the importance of Slayman in confronting innovative therapeutic proposals to advance solutions for thousands of patients. “Rick achieved that goal and his hope and optimism will live on forever,” his family’s message said.

As of December 31, 2023, the waiting list to receive organs in Spain was 4,790 patients, 75 of whom were children. That figure is similar to 2022, which closed with 4,746 people on the waiting list.

Last year, Spain had 3,688 kidney transplants (8% more than the previous year), 1,262 liver transplants (+9%), 479 lung transplants (+15%), 325 heart transplants (+5%), 100 pancreas transplants. were done. (+9%) %) and 7 gut (+75%).

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