New Jersey, US

A genetically modified pig kidney was removed from a 54-year-old transplant patient Lisa Pisano of New Jersey, after it started to lose its function. NYU Langone Health announced on Friday (May 31) that Pisano is now stable and has resumed dialysis.

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Pisano received a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) on April 4. LVAD is a mechanical pump that helps a weakened heart pump blood throughout the body and is often used for people with severe heart failure when medication alone isn't enough.

This was followed by the kidney and thymus gland transplant from a gene-edited pig on April 12.

This marked the first instance of an organ transplant in a patient with a mechanical heart pump and the second known gene-edited pig kidney transplant into a living person. It was also the first to include the thymus in addition to a kidney transplant. 

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Even after initial signs of recovery, Pisano's new kidney failed after 47 days.

Dr Robert Montgomery, who led the transplant, cited "unique challenges" in managing both the heart pump and the new kidney. He noted that Pisano's blood pressure dropped multiple times, affecting the kidney's blood flow.

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"The blood pressure she could generate from the LVAD was not adequate to provide optimal perfusion to the kidney, causing cumulative reduction in her kidney function," Montgomery explained.

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Montgomery stated, "On balance, the kidney was no longer contributing enough to justify continuing the immunosuppression regimen."

A biopsy of the kidney showed no signs of rejection. However, the kidney suffered "significant injury" from insufficient blood flow. NYU is planning to study the removed kidney to gain further insights into its performance in a human body.

'Lisa is a pioneer and a hero'

Montgomery praised Pisano's courage, stating, “Lisa is a pioneer and a hero in the effort to create a sustainable option for people waiting for an organ transplant. Her strength and bravery in the face of adversity inspires and drives us as we continue pursuing the hope and promise of xenotransplantation." 

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The first patient to receive a gene-edited pig kidney, Richard “Rick” Slayman, passed away nearly two months after his transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital. But his death was not directly attributed to the experimental procedure.

The organ shortage in the US is critical, with over 100,000 people on the transplant waiting list, the majority needing kidneys. Each day, 17 people die waiting for an organ.

In 2023, about 27,000 kidneys were transplanted, but nearly 89,000 people were still waiting.

(With inputs from agencies)