Richard Slayman, 62, who made history in March by getting the world’s first genetically modified pig kidney transplant, died on Saturday, his family confirmed.
Slayman underwent the successful four-hour surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital and was discharged just two weeks later, in April. While the exact cause of his untimely death is unknown, the hospital has determined that it was not related to the transplant, according to ABC News.
“The Mass General transplant team is deeply saddened at the sudden passing of Mr. Rick Slayman. We have no indication that it was the result of his recent transplant,” Massachusetts General Hospital said in a statement.
Richard Slayman, a Weymouth, Massachusetts resident, had been battling Type 2 diabetes and hypertension for years before obtaining the transplant. Prior to the landmark pig kidney transplant, Slayman had a long history of Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. He also underwent dialysis for several years before obtaining a human kidney transplant in December 2018 from the same Massachusetts General Hospital team.
Slayman will forever be seen as a beacon of hope to countless transplant patients worldwide
Unfortunately, the transplanted kidney from a human donor only worked for around five years before displaying signs of rejection. Slayman had to return to dialysis therapy in May 2023, which had a substantial impact on his quality of life, according to hospital officials.
“Mr. Slayman will forever be seen as a beacon of hope to countless transplant patients worldwide and we are deeply grateful for his trust and willingness to advance the field of xenotransplantation. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Mr Slayman’s family and loved ones as they remember an extraordinary person whose generosity and kindness touched all who knew him,” the hospital’s statement read.
The kidney utilized in the transplant was obtained from eGenesis, a Cambridge-based pharmaceutical company. This pioneering organ was obtained from a genetically engineered pig using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. According to Massachusetts General Hospital, the alteration process included eliminating unsuitable pig genes and inserting particular human genes to improve compatibility with the recipient’s body.
In a poignant statement, Mr Slayman’s family extended their gratitude to the doctors and the entire care team at Massachusetts General Hospital.
“Our family is deeply saddened about the sudden passing of our beloved Rick but take great comfort knowing he inspired so many. Millions of people worldwide have come to know Rick’s story. We felt – and still feel – comforted by the optimism he provided patients desperately waiting for a transplant.”
“We are extremely grateful to his care team across Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass General Brigham, especially Dr Williams, Dr Kawai, and Dr Riella, who truly did everything they could to help give Rick a second chance. Their enormous efforts leading the xenotransplant gave our family seven more weeks with Rick, and our memories made during that time will remain in our minds and hearts.”
Mr Slayman’s family revealed that one of his driving forces behind the transplant was the desire to offer hope to the countless individuals battling end-stage organ failure and desperately waiting for a lifesaving transplant.
Post a comment“Rick accomplished that goal and his hope and optimism will endure forever. His legacy will be one that inspires patients, researchers, and health care professionals everywhere.”