Nearly two months after receiving a kidney transplant from a genetically modified pig, Richard “Rick” Slayman, the first human recipient of the technique, passed away.
Slayman, 62, had the transplant in March at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston after being diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease.
In a statement released on Saturday, the hospital stated that there was “no indication” that the transplant had anything to do with his death. The transplant surgeon expressed his expectation that the procedure would last for a minimum of two years.
The hospital released a statement saying, “The Mass General transplant team is deeply saddened at the sudden passing of Mr. Rick Slayman.” “Mr. Slayman will forever be seen as a beacon of hope to countless transplant patients worldwide and we are deeply grateful for his trust and willingness to advance the field of xenotransplantation.”
In an effort to address the organ shortage for recipients of transplants, the procedure marked a turning point in the field of xenotransplantation, or the transplantation of organs from one species to another. The goal of genetically altering animal organs is to prevent the alien tissue from being rejected by the human body.
Slayman’s family expressed gratitude to his doctors in a statement released by the hospital, saying, “Our memories made during that time will remain in our minds and hearts. Their enormous efforts leading the xenotransplant gave our family seven more weeks with Rick.”
In addition to being quick-witted and courteous, his relatives described him as “fiercely dedicated to his family, friends, and co-workers.”
“After his transplant, Rick said that one of the reasons he underwent this procedure was to provide hope for the thousands of people who need a transplant to survive,” it went on. “Rick accomplished that goal and his hope and optimism will endure forever.”
A 54-year-old woman from New Jersey became the second human in history to receive a kidney transplant from a genetically altered pig last month.
In the United States, there are over 100,000 patients waiting for organs. Every year, thousands pass away before they receive one.
