Richard “Rick” Slayman, the first person to receive a kidney from a genetically modified pig, has tragically passed away about two months after the procedure. Massachusetts General Hospital, where Mr. Slayman had the operation, expressed deep sorrow at his death. The hospital clarified that there is no indication that his passing was a result of the recent transplant. Mr. Slayman, who was Black, had end-stage kidney disease, a condition that impacts over 800,000 people in the US, with disproportionate rates among Black individuals. The shortage of available kidneys for donation is a critical issue, with nearly 90,000 people on the national waiting list for a kidney transplant.
Mr. Slayman, a supervisor for the state transportation department from Weymouth, Mass., previously received a human kidney in 2018. As the kidney began to fail in 2023 and he developed congestive heart failure, his doctors recommended trying a kidney from a genetically modified pig. In a news release from the hospital in March, Mr. Slayman shared that he saw this as a way not only to help himself but also to offer hope to the thousands of individuals in need of a transplant to survive. His surgery, lasting four hours, was an extraordinary achievement in the medical field. Xenotransplantation, the practice of replacing human organs with animal organs, has long been proposed by proponents. However, one of the main challenges has been the human immune system’s rejection of animal tissue, resulting in severe complications.
Advancements in genetic engineering have made it possible to modify animal organs to enhance compatibility with human recipients. The pig kidney transplanted into Mr. Slayman was engineered by eGenesis, a biotech company based in Cambridge, Mass. The scientists at eGenesis removed three genes and added seven others to enhance compatibility. They also deactivated retroviruses that pigs carry, which could pose a threat to humans. In response to Mr. Slayman’s passing, eGenesis praised him as a pioneer whose courage has paved the way for current and future patients battling kidney failure. Two weeks post-surgery, Mr. Slayman was discharged from the hospital with one of the healthiest reports he had received in a long time.
Mr. Slayman’s family described him as a kind, quick-witted, and fiercely dedicated individual to his family, friends, and colleagues. They found solace in the fact that his case had inspired countless individuals worldwide. His story had brought optimism to patients eagerly awaiting a transplant. The family expressed that they remain comforted by the hope and positivity Mr. Slayman provided to those in need. Millions of individuals have come to know Rick’s journey, and his family continues to be proud of the impact he had in spreading awareness of organ donation and cutting-edge medical treatments. Richard Slayman leaves behind a legacy of bravery, hope, and inspiration among those fighting kidney failure and awaiting life-saving transplants.
