The recipient of the genetically modified pig kidney transplant has passed away.

Richard Slayman, the first person to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant, is pictured here (NBC News).

According toACB News on May 12, Richard Slayman, the first person to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant last March, has passed away suddenly.

In a statement on May 11, the transplant team at Massachusetts General Hospital said they were deeply saddened by Slayman's passing and offered their condolences to his family.

The hospital also emphasized that there was no indication that Mr. Slayman's death was due to the transplant. He was reportedly discharged from the hospital about two weeks after the successful surgery.

Prior to this, the 62-year-old man had lived with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure for many years. He underwent dialysis for many years before receiving a kidney transplant in 2018.

However, due to living with diabetes and high blood pressure, the kidney began to show signs of failure five years after the transplant, forcing him to resume dialysis in May 2023.

The pig kidney was supplied by eGenesis, a pharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. According to the hospital, harmful pig genes were removed and some human genes were added to improve its compatibility with the recipient.

In a statement, Mr. Slayman's family thanked the doctors and staff who cared for him at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The statement said: "The doctors' tremendous efforts in performing the kidney transplant gave our family seven more weeks with Richard. The memories of that time will forever remain in our minds and hearts."

Slayman's family also revealed that one of the reasons Slayman underwent the transplant was to give hope to thousands of other people.

"Richard accomplished that goal, and his hope and optimism will live on forever. His legacy will be an inspiration to patients, researchers, and healthcare professionals everywhere," the deceased's family expressed.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nguoi-duoc-ghep-than-heo-chinh-sua-gene-da-qua-doi-2024051215193654.htm