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Here is a look at recent developments and headlines in nephrology.
Porcine Kidney Transplant Recipient Receives Human Kidney
Tim Andrews, the New Hampshire man who lived 271 days with a transplanted pig kidney, has received a human kidney transplant. Andrews lived with a genetically modified porcine kidney from January to October 2025, when it was removed due to a decline in kidney function. Both transplantation procedures took place at Mass General Brigham.
Although xenotransplantation did not provide a lasting solution for Andrews, researchers now have a better understanding of what led to the porcine kidney’s rejection, according to Mike Curtis, chief executive officer of eGenesis, which provided the organ. That will help them adjust immunosuppression for better future outcomes.
Although the goal is for xenotransplantation to become a viable long-term solution to kidney failure, Andrews’ case suggests that, in the meantime, it has potential as a bridge to human kidney transplantation.
Emory Healthcare Sets National Record for Kidney Transplants
Emory Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia, has set a record for performing the largest number of kidney transplants in the US in a single year. According to a report from the Health Resources and Services Administration, Emory transplanted 591 kidneys in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 504.
That total includes kidneys from 189 living donors and 402 deceased donors. In addition, Emory transplanted 358 kidneys, more than any other US transplant program, to African American recipients.
“While these record transplant volumes are noteworthy milestones, there are real people and families behind these numbers,” said Christian P. Larsen, MD, PhD, a professor in the Department of Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine. “Our focus is continuous improvement and innovation to expand access to transplant and to achieve the best possible for our patients.”
South Korean and US Biotech Companies Partner on Renal Drug Programs
AriBio, a clinical-stage biotechnology company based in South Korea, is partnering with US biotech company Restari on drug programs targeting kidney and liver conditions.
Restari, which specializes in renal diseases, will have exclusive global rights (excluding Eurasia) for the development and commercialization of treatments for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and cystic liver disease (CLD) using AriBio’s phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor technology.
Matthew Hedrick, Restari’s chief executive officer, said in a statement, “PKD and CLD are areas with very high unmet medical needs. We aim to exclusively develop this differentiated treatment program and position it as a first-line treatment for PKD in the long term.”
