First person dies after receiving genetically modified pig kidney transplant: NPR

Richard “Rick” Suleiman, the first human to receive a kidney transplant from a genetically modified pig, has died nearly two months after the operation.

Suleiman, who had end-stage kidney disease, underwent the transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston in March at the age of 62.

The hospital Saturday's statement He said there was “no indication” that it was the result of the transplant surgery. He said He expected the transplant to function for at least two years.

“The transplant team at Massachusetts General Hospital is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Rick Sulaiman,” the hospital's statement said. “Mr. Sulaiman will forever be a beacon of hope for countless transplant patients around the world, and we are deeply grateful for his faith and drive to advance the field of xenotransplantation.”

This surgery is Xenotransplantation Genetic modification, the transplantation of organs from one species to another, is undertaken as a means of alleviating the organ shortage for people who need transplants. Efforts to genetically modify animal organs are underway in the hope that the human body will not reject the foreign tissue.

In a statement released by the hospital, Suleiman's family expressed their gratitude to the doctors: “Thanks to the incredible efforts of the doctors guiding the xenotransplant, our family was able to spend seven more weeks with Rick and the memories we made during that time will remain in our hearts forever.”

His family said he was kind, witty and “devoted to his family, friends and colleagues.”

“After his transplant, Rick said one of the reasons he had the surgery was to give hope to the thousands of people who need transplants to survive,” the article continued. “Rick achieved that goal, and his hope and optimism will endure forever.”

Last month, a 54-year-old New Jersey woman became the second person in history to receive a kidney transplant from a genetically modified pig.

More than 100,000 in the United States On the waiting list For organ transplants. Thousands of people die each year because organs are unavailable.