First Recipient of Genetically Modified Pig Kidney Dies at 62, Hospital Says Death Unrelated

Richard “Rick” Slayman, the first person to receive a kidney from a genetically modified pig, passed away approximately two months after the pioneering procedure. The Massachusetts General Hospital, where Mr. Slayman underwent the operation, expressed deep sorrow regarding his demise. The medical facility clarified that there was no evidence to suggest that his death was linked to the recent transplant.

A Tragic Loss

The hospital's transplant team conveyed their grief at the loss of Mr. Slayman. Despite the setback, this medical breakthrough shines a light on the potential for innovative solutions in treating end-stage kidney disease, a condition affecting over 800,000 individuals in the United States. Notably, there are notably higher incidence rates of this disease among Black individuals, demonstrating the pressing need for advancements in medical treatment.