A man from New Hampshire has returned to dialysis after an unprecedented 271 days of living with a gene-edited pig kidney, according to reports from his medical team. This milestone, achieved by 67-year-old Tim Andrews, is providing valuable insights for researchers exploring the possibilities of xenotransplantation, the process of transplanting animal organs into humans.
Andrews had the pig kidney removed on October 23, as its functionality was deteriorating. The team at Mass General Brigham has praised Andrews as “a selfless medical pioneer and an inspiration” for those suffering from kidney failure. His journey has highlighted the advancements made in xenotransplantation, building on previous experiments that had less successful outcomes.
Earlier attempts at xenotransplantation, which involved pig organs genetically modified to be more compatible with humans, typically ended quickly. However, researchers shifted their focus to patients who were not as critically ill, leading to improved results. For instance, a pig kidney transplanted into a woman in Alabama lasted 130 days before it was removed earlier this year, a record that Andrews has now surpassed.
In the United States, there are over 100,000 individuals on the transplant waiting list, with the majority requiring kidney transplants. Sadly, many die while waiting for suitable organs. Andrews, residing in Concord, New Hampshire, recognized that his rare blood type made finding a compatible donor challenging. Consequently, he dedicated himself to improving his health to qualify for the xenotransplant pilot study at Mass General.
Despite his recent return to dialysis, Andrews remains on the transplant list. In June, the same medical team successfully transplanted a pig kidney into another patient from New Hampshire, who is reportedly doing well. The pilot study is set to conclude later this year with an anticipated third pig kidney transplant.
Meanwhile, two companies, eGenesis and United Therapeutics, are preparing to launch more extensive clinical trials focused on pig kidney transplants. Surgeons in China are also exploring this innovative area, having reported a pig kidney transplant last spring, along with a pig liver transplant that had to be removed after 38 days.
The ongoing research into xenotransplantation represents a hopeful frontier in the field of organ transplantation, with the potential to save countless lives waiting for donors.
