Genetically Modified Pig Kidney Sustains Patient for Record Nine Months Before Human Transplant
Source Summary
A genetically modified pig kidney from a pig named Wilma kept Tim Andrews, a 66-year-old man with end-stage kidney disease, alive for nine months in what researchers describe as a world first. The organ successfully functioned as a bridge transplant while Andrews waited for a human kidney, removing him from dialysis during that period. Andrews had faced only a 9% chance of receiving a human kidney within five years and a more than 40% risk of dying or being removed from the transplant waiting list.
Why it matters
This demonstrates that genetically modified animal organs can function as viable temporary solutions for patients with end-stage organ failure, potentially expanding the pool of available transplants for those facing severe waiting-list constraints.
