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Story by Angelina Tukpe
Richard “Rick” Slayman, 62, made medical history as the first recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney transplant. Battling end-stage kidney disease, Mr. Slayman underwent the groundbreaking procedure at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in March. While the transplant initially showed promise, tragically, Mr. Slayman passed away two months later.
Despite his death, MGH clarified that there was no indication the transplant contributed to Mr. Slayman’s passing. Prior to the pig kidney transplant, Mr. Slayman had struggled with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, in addition to his kidney disease. He had previously received a human kidney transplant in 2018, which began to fail after five years.
Following the pig kidney transplant, Mr. Slayman’s doctors reported that the new organ was functioning well, and he was no longer reliant on dialysis. His bravery and willingness to push the boundaries of medical science earned him recognition as a beacon of hope for transplant patients worldwide. The procedure represented a significant milestone in xenotransplantation – the transplantation of organs between different species – offering hope for future patients in need of life-saving transplants.
