Pig Kidney Transplant Gives Hope to US Man for 271 Days

Tim Andrews, a 66-year-old man, received a genetically modified pig kidney at Massachusetts General Hospital in January 2025 after developing end-stage kidney disease due to type 2 diabetes. This transplant allowed him to avoid dialysis for 271 days, setting a record for the longest functioning pig kidney in a human.

The kidney began working immediately but showed signs of rejection, which were managed by adjusting Andrews' medication. However, after six months, the kidney's blood vessels suffered damage, leading to inflammation and eventual failure.

Doctors removed the kidney in October 2025, and Andrews spent 82 days on dialysis before receiving a human donor kidney in January 2026, which has been functioning well. Dr. Leonardo Riella from the Mass General Brigham Centre for Transplantation Sciences emphasized the potential of xenotransplantation as a solution to the human organ shortage, while also acknowledging the challenges it presents.