Title: Breakthrough Experiment with Pig Kidney Transplant Offers Hope for Organ Transplants
Subtitle: NYU Langone Health’s pioneering research takes animal-to-human transplants closer to reality
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NEW YORK – In a groundbreaking experiment, doctors at NYU Langone Health have successfully transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a deceased human body, providing hope for addressing the nation’s organ transplant shortage. The procedure, which marks the longest a pig kidney has ever functioned in a person, opens new doors for animal-to-human transplants, also known as xenotransplantation.
The journey of Maurice “Mo” Miller’s body began when his sister, Mary Miller-Duffy, made the decision to donate his body for research. Despite her initial struggle, Miller-Duffy recognized the opportunity to fulfill her brother’s desire to help others. Surgeons at NYU Langone’s intensive care unit replaced Miller’s kidneys with a pig kidney on July 14, and since then, the organ has been performing all the functions of a healthy kidney.
The majority of individuals in need of organ transplants are placed on long waiting lists, with many dying before receiving the organs they require. Dr. Robert Montgomery, Chief of NYU Langone’s transplant institute, believes that using animal organs, such as those from pigs, could bridge the gap and address the critical shortage. Historically, attempts at xenotransplantation have been unsuccessful, but recent advancements in genetically modifying pigs to possess more human-like organs have revitalized the field.
Previous experiments at NYU and the University of Alabama at Birmingham have shown promise, with pig kidneys and hearts functioning in donated human bodies for several days to a week. However, the most common form of organ rejection occurs over a longer timeframe. By observing how pig kidneys reach those timepoints in donated bodies, researchers hope to gain insights that could expand the viability of xenotransplantation.
The pig kidney transplant serves as a rehearsal for future live patient operations. The surgery involves sewing the pig kidney into the donated body and administering immune-suppressing drugs post-surgery, similar to regular organ transplants. To increase the chances of success, the pig kidney is tacked with its thymus, a gland that aids in training immune cells and potentially protects the organ from rejection.
The entire process requires meticulous testing to ensure the absence of hidden infection. Surgeons, nurses, and other personnel in the operating room undergo thorough vaccinations and blood tests. Post-surgery, doctors continuously monitor the kidney through biopsies, blood tests, and vital sign checks. The body is supported by a ventilator and receives round-the-clock care to maintain its overall condition.
Despite the success of the experiment, the Food and Drug Administration would need to approve future live patient trials. Dr. Montgomery has received numerous inquiries from individuals eager to participate in such studies. He maintains regular communication with Mary Miller-Duffy and her wife, providing updates on her brother’s progress and extending the request to continue the experiment for a second month.
The profound impact of the experiment has shifted perceptions on organ donation for Sue Duffy, Miller-Duffy’s wife. Having witnessed the potential for saving lives through xenotransplantation, she now strongly supports organ donation and encourages others to consider the possibility of giving the gift of life after death.
As research advances, the medical community remains cautiously optimistic about the future of xenotransplantation. NYU Langone’s groundbreaking experiment represents a significant step towards alleviating the organ transplant shortage and bringing hope to thousands of individuals on waiting lists.
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