Surgeons in Massachusetts successfully transplanted a genetically engineered kidney from a pig named Wilma into a 66-year-old patient with end-stage kidney disease, according to findings published in the Lancet medical journal. The procedure represents a significant advancement in xenotransplantation research, as the modified organ functioned for 271 days before the patient transitioned to a human kidney from a deceased donor.
The patient, Tim Andrews from New Hampshire, had limited prospects for receiving a human kidney transplant, facing only a 9% likelihood of obtaining one within five years while carrying more than a 40% risk of mortality or removal from the waiting list. The pig kidney enabled him to live dialysis-free for the longest period ever documented following xenotransplantation. Andrews reported improved quality of life during this period, engaging in daily activities such as cooking, vacuuming, and walking his dog.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham genetically modified Wilma’s kidney through 69 genome edits designed to prevent immune rejection and reduce risks from pig viruses. This approach built upon earlier xenotransplantation attempts; a 2024 case involving a pig kidney transplant lasted 52 days before the patient died from unrelated causes. No previous xenograft had survived beyond two months in prior studies.
After approximately six months, the transplanted organ developed vascular damage leading to gradual failure. Andrews subsequently returned to dialysis and received a human kidney from a deceased donor, which functioned well during six months of follow-up monitoring. Testing revealed no new antibodies against human tissue and no detection of pig viruses, indicating the xenotransplant did not compromise compatibility with the human organ.
Medical experts emphasize that the current shortage of human organs represents a critical challenge in transplantation medicine. Researchers indicated that expanded clinical trials will be necessary to establish the safety and durability of pig kidney xenotransplantation as a bridge therapy and potential long-term treatment option for patients with end-stage renal disease.
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