A 67-year-old man from New Hampshire, Tim Andrews, received a gene-edited pig kidney on January 25, 2024, as part of a pioneering xenotransplantation study, living with the organ for 271 days before it was removed due to declining function.

Despite the organ's eventual failure, the transplant is considered a success by eGenesis, demonstrating promising potential for future applications in addressing organ shortages.

Andrews' case highlights ongoing progress in xenotransplantation, with recent successful transplants at Mass General and plans for additional procedures, signaling a growing field.

Mass General Brigham, in collaboration with biotech firm eGenesis, received FDA clearance for the first clinical trial involving porcine kidneys, expanding transplant options for over 30 patients across the U.S.

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pig kidneys, especially for patients with limited options on the transplant waiting list, which exceeds 100,000 Americans, many of whom die before receiving an organ.

Researchers are now selecting less critically ill patients, including those with harder-to-match blood types like Andrews, to improve outcomes and gather more data.

Companies such as eGenesis and United Therapeutics are preparing for more rigorous clinical trials of pig kidney transplants, indicating a shift toward broader adoption.

Genetic editing using Crispr technology by eGenesis, which has performed 69 genetic modifications, has been crucial in making pig organs more compatible with humans.

Andrews, praised for his selfless participation, remains on the transplant list and continues to serve as an inspiration for kidney failure patients worldwide.

The ongoing research and successful pilot studies suggest xenotransplantation could become a widespread solution to the organ shortage crisis, transforming transplant medicine.