A New Hampshire man, Tim Andrews, has resumed dialysis after living with a gene-edited pig kidney for 271 days. The kidney was removed on October 23 due to declining function, according to Mass General Brigham. His case marks the longest anyone has lived with a pig kidney transplant and is providing important insights for ongoing research in animal-to-human organ transplants.
The transplant team at Mass General Brigham described Andrews as “a selfless medical pioneer and an inspiration” to patients with kidney failure.
Previous attempts at xenotransplantation, which involves transplanting organs from animals into humans, had shorter durations. Early efforts using gene-edited pig hearts and kidneys did not last long. Researchers have since adjusted their approach by selecting patients who are not as severely ill as those in earlier trials. This led to improved outcomes, such as an Alabama woman whose transplanted pig kidney lasted 130 days before it was removed—a record that Andrews later surpassed.
Currently, more than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for organ transplants, most of whom need kidneys. Thousands die each year while waiting for suitable organs.
Andrews’ blood type is difficult to match for traditional transplants. He sought alternatives and worked on his health to qualify for Mass General’s pilot study on xenotransplantation. He remains on the national transplant list.
In June, another New Hampshire man received a pig kidney through the same pilot study and continues to do well. The study will conclude later this year with a third patient receiving a pig kidney transplant.
Companies such as eGenesis and United Therapeutics are planning more extensive clinical trials involving pig kidneys. Research in China is also advancing; surgeons there reported a successful pig kidney transplant last spring and separately performed a liver transplant that lasted 38 days before removal.
