UNITED STATES: In a groundbreaking medical achievement, doctors at NYU Langone Health have successfully performed the world’s first gene-edited pig kidney transplant on a brain-dead patient, marking a significant leap forward in the field of organ transplantation.
The procedure, conducted on July 14, 2023, not only demonstrates the remarkable progress in genetic engineering but also raises hopes for addressing the critical shortage of human organs available for transplant.
Led by Dr. Robert Montgomery, a distinguished professor and chair of the Department of Surgery at NYU Langone Health, the surgical team meticulously transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a recipient who had been declared brain dead. The patient, 57-year-old Maurice Miller, may have left behind a lasting legacy with this bold medical endeavor.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this pioneering procedure is the inclusion of the pig thymus alongside the kidney. Dr. Adam Griesemer, a transplant surgeon at NYU Langone Health, explained that the thymus, an essential organ in immune system development, was embedded beneath the kidney’s outer layer.
This strategic placement aims to train the recipient’s immune system to accept the pig kidney by gradually recognizing its antigens as part of its own, thereby mitigating the risk of organ rejection. After 32 days, the transplanted pig kidney has showcased remarkable resilience, maintaining its function and showing no signs of rejection.
Dr. Montgomery and his team have been vigilantly monitoring the kidney’s performance for a total of two months, providing a crucial period for assessing its long-term viability.
“The one-month kidney biopsies and assays reveal normal renal function and no signs of rejection”, Dr. Montgomery declared during a press conference, exuding optimism about the prospects of successful animal-human transplants.
Maurice Miller’s sister, Mary Miller-Duff, hailed her brother’s participation as a noble and altruistic contribution to medical science. “Mo, as I like to call him, was a good brother who loved life and always offered a helping hand”, she said with tears in her eyes. “It is only fitting that in his last act, he will be providing for so many people in need thanks to this revolutionary medical discovery.”
The success of this procedure has ignited discussions about the future of animal-human transplants and the potential solutions it offers to the ongoing organ shortage crisis.
While the medical community acknowledges that challenges and ethical considerations remain, the achievement at NYU Langone Health underscores the transformative power of scientific advancements in the realms of gene editing and transplantation.
Also Read: Security Concerns Prompt Changes in ICC World Cup 2023 Schedule: Hyderabad Police Raises Alarm
