KATHMANDU: The first recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney transplant, Richard “Rick” Slayman, has passed away nearly two months after undergoing the groundbreaking procedure, according to statements from his family and Massachusetts General Hospital, where the surgery took place. Slayman, aged 62, received the transplant in March, with surgeons initially estimating that the pig kidney would function for at least two years. However, the hospital emphasized that there were no indications that Slayman's death was a result of the transplant.

Slayman, from Weymouth, Massachusetts, made medical history as the first living person to undergo a pig kidney transplant. Previous attempts had involved temporarily transplanting pig kidneys into brain-dead donors, while two individuals had received heart transplants from pigs, both of whom died within months. Slayman had initially undergone a kidney transplant at the hospital in 2018 but returned to dialysis last year when signs of failure emerged. Complications from dialysis led his doctors to suggest the pig kidney transplant.

The family of Slayman, in a statement, conveyed appreciation to his medical team, recognizing their tireless endeavors in pioneering the xenotransplant procedure. They highlighted Slayman's decision to undergo the surgery as a beacon of hope for the thousands of individuals awaiting transplants, emphasizing his enduring legacy of hope and optimism. Xenotransplantation, the process of using animal organs for human transplants, has faced challenges in the past due to immune rejection, but recent advancements have shown promise in making animal organs more compatible with human recipients. Despite Slayman's passing, his family believes that his courageous decision will continue to inspire and bring hope to others in need of life-saving transplants.