The first person to receive a pig kidney transplant has passed away nearly two months after the groundbreaking procedure. Richard Slayman, 62, who underwent the transplant in March, has died, according to his family. Massachusetts General Hospital, where the surgery took place, stated that there is no indication that Slayman’s death was related to the transplant.
The hospital praised Slayman as a symbol of hope for transplant patients worldwide, thanking him for his contribution to xenotransplantation. They expressed their condolences to his family and friends, acknowledging his generosity and kindness.
Before the transplant, the pig kidney was modified using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to make it compatible with Slayman’s body. This was the first successful transplantation of a genetically modified pig kidney into a living recipient, although pig kidneys had previously been transplanted into brain-dead donors.
In a statement, Slayman’s family expressed gratitude for the medical team at Massachusetts General Hospital and highlighted his legacy as an inspiration for patients and researchers globally. They reflected on the impact of his story, providing hope to those awaiting transplants.
The family mourned Slayman’s passing but found solace in the positive influence he had on others. They emphasized the comfort and optimism he shared with patients awaiting life-saving transplants.
