2024-05-13 17:37:04
Rick Slayman, 62, who had end-stage kidney disease, received a genetically modified pig kidney transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital in March.
The operation was an important step in xenotransplantation, the transplanting of organs or tissues from one species to another, in an attempt to address the world’s organ shortage, the hospital said at the time. Slayman’s death was unrelated to the transplant, the hospital said Saturday.
Slyman’s family said they were saddened by his sudden death, but said it was comforting that he had inspired so many people. The family expressed their gratitude to the medical team that cared for him.
“Their tremendous efforts in leading the xenotransplant gave our family seven more weeks with Rick, memories from that time will live on in our minds and hearts,” the family said in a statement.
The pig kidney was taken from a genetically modified pig, the harmful pig genes were removed and some real human genes were added to improve their compatibility. The researchers also activated endogenous retroviruses from the donor pig to eliminate the risk of human infection.
The hospital said it was “deeply saddened” by Mr Slayman’s death, adding that there was “no indication it was a result of his recent transplant”.
2024-05-13 17:37:04