Man with genetically modified pig kidney removed after 271 days
A man who lived with a genetically modified pig kidney for a record 271 days had the organ removed and will return to dialysis, reports BritPanorama.
Tim Andrews of New Hampshire received the transplant in January, but surgeons at Mass General Brigham removed the organ Thursday due to a decline in kidney function.
Andrews, 67, was the fourth living patient in the US to receive a kidney transplant from a pig genetically modified to help prevent organ rejection and other complications.
Andrews, who had diabetes since the 1990s, learned about three years ago that he had end-stage kidney disease. While dialysis saved his life, the process was draining, requiring him to be connected to machines for six hours, three days a week. On off days, he would sleep, only to begin the cycle again upon waking.
Despite the risks associated with xenotransplantation—transplanting an animal organ into a human—Andrews expressed optimism about the procedure, stating it could keep him off dialysis and potentially benefit others with kidney problems.
In the CNN documentary “Dr. Sanjay Gupta Reports: Animal Pharm,” he noted that the pig kidney left him feeling re-energized and revitalized. “I was alive, and I hadn’t been in a long time,” Andrews stated, calling the transplant “a miracle.”
He described how the pig kidney allowed him to gradually rebuild his life, enabling him to perform daily activities such as cooking and taking long walks with his dog, Cupcake. In June, he celebrated the milestone of throwing out the first pitch at Fenway Park while cheering on the Boston Red Sox.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta remarked on Andrews’ unwavering positivity and energy, emphasizing his commitment to advancing the understanding of xenotransplantation for future patients. Gupta labeled Andrews as a true medical pioneer, whose experience will influence countless future patients with kidney failure.
In a statement Monday, Mass General Brigham referred to Andrews as a “selfless medical pioneer and an inspiration to patients with kidney failure around the world.”
Reflecting on his journey, Andrews shared on Facebook that it was “a punishing journey filled with unknowns and surprises.” He acknowledged the challenges posed by experimental drugs with unexpected side effects but reiterated pride in what was discovered during the nine months with the pig kidney.
Andrews expressed gratitude to the pig, calling her “my hero,” and highlighted her pivotal role in the medical breakthrough. He wrote, “What a warrior she became helping fight through several ‘bumps in the road.’” His sentiments about the donor pig underscore the emotional connection he fostered during the process.
As Andrews resumes dialysis, he remains on the waiting list for a human kidney transplant. There are more than 170 million registered organ donors in the US, yet nearly 90,000 people are still waiting for a kidney.
In recent years, the landscape of xenotransplantation has seen significant developments. In March 2024, Richard Slayman became the first patient to receive a pig kidney in the US but died two months later from unrelated causes. The second patient, Lisa Pisano, suffered organ failure shortly after her transplant and passed away a few months later. In November 2024, yet another transplant involving a genetically modified pig kidney resulted in a four-month function before removal due to immune rejection.
Mass General Brigham has announced plans for another pig-to-human kidney transplant later this year, indicating ongoing commitment to advancing this area of medical research.
