Tim Andrews was one of the first people to get a genetically modified pig kidney. A year later, he had a successful kidney transplant from another person. This is a historic step in xenotransplantation because it shows that pig organs can be used as a “bridge” to keep people alive while they wait for human donors. Andrews is doing well and should be able to leave Massachusetts General Hospital soon, according to doctors there.
Andrews got the pig kidney in early 2025, when there was a serious shortage of organs that affected more than 100,000 Americans on transplant lists. The pig organ, which had been gene-edited with CRISPR to remove rejection triggers and add proteins that work with humans, worked well without being attacked by the immune system right away. This transplant was different from earlier, short-lived ones in that it let Andrews avoid dialysis, which greatly improved his quality of life.
Medical teams got Andrews ready for the human kidney by testing for new antibodies and not finding any that could be dangerous. The surgery lasted three hours, and the patient was given fewer immunosuppressants than during the pig organ phase. Experts like Dr. Leonardo Riella stress how xenotransplantation can be a better temporary lifeline than the burdens of dialysis.
Every day, more than 17 people die while waiting for kidneys. This makes progress in pig organ research very important. The FDA’s approval of human trials in 2025 by companies like eGenesis means that these drugs will soon be used in more people. This could end chronic shortages when used with stem cell and artificial organ research.
