Rick Slayman is pictured at Massachusetts Basic Hospital in Boston, the place he grew to become the primary individual to have a genetically modified pig kidney transplant.

Michelle Rose/Massachusetts Basic Hospital

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Michelle Rose/Massachusetts Basic Hospital

Richard “Rick” Slayman, the primary human to obtain a genetically modified pig kidney transplant, has died virtually two months after the process.

Slayman, who had end-stage kidney illness, underwent the transplant in March at Massachusetts Basic Hospital in Boston at age 62.

The hospital mentioned in a assertion on Saturday that there was “no indication” that his loss of life was the results of the transplant. The transplant surgeon had mentioned he hoped the transplant would perform for not less than two years.

“The Mass Basic transplant workforce is deeply saddened on the sudden passing of Mr. Rick Slayman,” learn the hospital assertion. “Mr. Slayman will without end be seen as a beacon of hope to numerous transplant sufferers worldwide and we’re deeply grateful for his belief and willingness to advance the sector of xenotransplantation.”

The surgical procedure was a milestone for the sector of xenotransplantation — the transplant of organs from one species to a different — as a strategy to alleviate the organ scarcity for individuals who want transplants. The hassle to genetically modify animal organs is in hopes that the human physique is not going to reject the international tissue.

In a press release from shared by the hospital, Slayman’s household thanked his medical doctors: “Their huge efforts main the xenotransplant gave our household seven extra weeks with Rick, and our recollections made throughout that point will stay in our minds and hearts.”

His household mentioned he was type, quick-witted, and “fiercely devoted to his household, associates, and colleagues.”

“After his transplant, Rick mentioned that one of many causes he underwent this process was to supply hope for the 1000’s of people that want a transplant to outlive,” it continued. “Rick achieved that aim and his hope and optimism will endure without end.”

Final month, a 54-year-old New Jersey girl grew to become the second individual ever to have a genetically modified pig kidney transplant.

Greater than 100,000 individuals within the U.S. are on the waitlist for organs. 1000’s die yearly earlier than they will get one.