Richard “Rick” Slayman, aged 62, the first person to receive a kidney transplant from a genetically modified pig, has sadly passed away.
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), which performed the groundbreaking surgery in March, revealed that Slayman lost his battle with his illness two months after the procedure.
Slayman had been dealing with end-stage kidney disease, along with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, which made the innovative intervention necessary.
He had previously undergone a human kidney transplant in 2018, which began to fail after five years.
The recent transplant, using a genetically modified pig kidney, held promise for patients worldwide in need of organ transplants.
MGH praised Slayman as a symbol of hope for transplant patients globally and thanked him for his trust and willingness to push the boundaries of xenotransplantation.
Initially, the transplant seemed successful, with Slayman no longer needing dialysis and the new organ functioning well.
However, his sudden death shocked medical professionals and his family.
Despite the setback, MGH expressed gratitude for Slayman’s bravery and dedication to advancing xenotransplantation.
They offered heartfelt condolences to his family, recognizing his inspirational role and the hope he represented for many awaiting life-saving transplants.
“Rick said that one of the reasons he underwent this procedure was to provide hope for the thousands of people who need a transplant to survive,” they said.
“Rick accomplished that goal and his hope and optimism will endure forever.
“To us, Rick was a kind-hearted man with a quick-witted sense of humour who was fiercely dedicated to his family, friends, and co-workers,” they added.
May his Soul Rest in Peace Amen
