54-Year-Old Woman Receives Genetically Modified Pig Kidney in Historic Transplant

A groundbreaking medical procedure took place at NYU Langone Health in New York, marking a significant advancement in the field of organ transplantation.

Life-Saving Procedure for Lisa Pisano

Lisa Pisano, a 54-year-old woman from New Jersey, who was suffering from both heart failure and kidney failure, underwent a critical kidney transplant from a genetically modified pig. This revolutionary procedure was carried out just eight days after receiving a mechanical heart pump. Without this heart pump, Lisa was at risk of a fatal outcome, as she awaited a heart transplant.

Successful Collaboration with United Therapeutics Corporation

The kidney that saved Lisa's life was sourced from a specially engineered pig provided by United Therapeutics Corporation, a leading biotech company. This genetically modified pig carried a modified gene that allowed the production of a vital sugar called alpha-gal, which was crucial for the successful transplantation process.