A pig kidney transplanted into a brain-dead man works well for a month now

American surgeons managed to transplant a pig kidney into a brain-dead patient genetically modified that continues to function well 32 days after the operation. This is the longest period in the history of this type of xenotransplantation, which the New York University Langone Medical Center, responsible for the operation, has defined as “the last step towards the advent of an alternative and sustainable supply of organs for transplant,” according to their statement.

The intervention was carried out on July 14, 2023 and was directed by Robert Montgomery and H. Leon Pachter, from the aforementioned center, which had already performed xenotransplants four times, in 2021 and 2022. The follow-up of the kidney recipient is expected to continue for one more month.

“This work demonstrates that a pig kidney—with a single genetic modification and without experimental drugs or devices—can replace the function of a human kidney for at least 32 days without being rejected,” Montgomery said.

The current research, which, according to those responsible for the study, could save many lives in the future, was possible thanks to the family of a 57-year-old man who decided to donate his body in case of brain death and in the event that his organs or tissues were not suitable for transplantation.

Once transplanted, the kidney began producing urine immediately without signs of hyperacute rejection, the researchers reported. Likewise, creatinine levels, which is an indicator of kidney function, were within optimal values ​​throughout the study, while the biopsy showed no signs of rejection.

For his part, Montgomery declared that his team’s progress is approaching the clinical trial phase.

“We know this has the potential to save thousands of lives, but we want to ensure maximum safety and care as we move forward,” he said. “Too many people are dying due to a lack of available organs, and I firmly believe that xenotransplantation is a viable way to change that,” she added.

In the United States alone, more than 103,000 people are on the waiting list to receive a transplant, and of all of them, almost 88,000 need a kidney, according to recent data from the Federal Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. In 2022, about 26,000 people will receive a kidney transplant. Meanwhile, almost 808,000 people in the country suffer from end-stage kidney disease. With RT

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