Man Lives 9 Months Without Dialysis on Pig Kidney

A groundbreaking medical achievement has seen a 66-year-old man live without dialysis for 271 days after receiving a genetically modified pig kidney. This pioneering procedure in January 2025 utilized an organ from a Yucatan miniature pig, engineered for human immune system compatibility. It successfully functioned as a bridge while the patient, Tim Andrews, awaited a human donor kidney.

After approximately six months, the pig kidney experienced blood vessel damage, leading to organ failure. It was subsequently removed, and Mr. Andrews received a human donor kidney. Researchers reported no detection of pig viruses, supporting xenotransplantation as a viable bridge for patients facing long waits for human organs. This advancement, published in The Lancet, highlights the ongoing need for further research into long-term safety and efficacy.

This milestone builds on previous efforts, including another pig kidney transplant in 2024 where the patient survived 52 days. Experts in the UK are reviewing the potential for such transplants, noting advancements in genetic technology like CRISPR that enhance organ compatibility. While still a long way from routine practice, these developments offer hope amidst a critical organ shortage, underscoring the urgent need for organ donation.