Successful Pig Kidney Transplants into Humans Reported

Five patients at Massachusetts General Hospital have received genetically engineered pig kidney transplants since March 2024, with three patients surviving over eight months without needing dialysis.

The kidneys were sourced from Yucatan miniature pigs modified to remove three rejection-prone proteins and add seven human genes to improve compatibility and inactivate porcine viruses.

The FDA has authorized an expanded clinical trial for 33 patients starting early next year, with eGenesis aiming for marketing approval for the xenotransplantation process by the end of 2029.