A Weymouth man was the first person to receive an A Genetically edited pig kidney in March Died, Mass General Hospital says.
The hospital did not share how Richard 'Rick' Slayman died, but said his landmark transplant was not a factor.
« Mr. Slayman will forever be seen as a beacon of hope to countless transplant patients around the world, and we are deeply grateful for his faith and desire to advance the field of xenotransplantation. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Slayman, as they remember an extraordinary person whose generosity and kindness earned him Touched all who knew,” said a statement from Mass General Hospital.
Dr. Tatsuo Kawai, Dr. Nahel Elias and Dr. The « Milestone » transplant was performed by the Massachusetts General Hospital surgical team led by Leonardo Riella. A gene-edited pig kidney with 69 gene mutations was successfully transplanted into Sleman after several hours of surgery.
Slayman had been living with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure for years before receiving a kidney transplant from a human donor who died in December 2018 after undergoing dialysis seven years ago.
The transplanted kidney showed signs of failure after about five years and Slayman was back on dialysis in May 2023.
The process was done under a single FDA expanded access protocol — known as compassionate use — granted to a patient or group of patients with serious, life-threatening diseases or conditions to access experimental treatments or tests when comparable treatment options or treatments are not available. Officials said.
Slayman was discharged from the hospital on April 3 with a clean bill of health and amid jubilant crowds.
« The care I received was exceptional and I trust the doctors at Mass General Brigham Health System with my life. I am happy to be free from the burden of dialysis that has affected my quality of life for years and spend time with my family, friends and loved ones, » Slayman said.
The Slayman family provided the following statement to Boston 25 News:
“Our family is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our beloved Rick, but deeply comforted to know that he inspired so many. Millions of people around the world know Rick's story. We felt – and still feel – comforted by the hope he gave to patients desperately waiting for a transplant. To us, Rick was a kind man with a quick sense of humor who was fiercely devoted to his family, friends and colleagues. We are very grateful to his care team throughout Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass General Brigham, especially Dr. Williams, Dr. Kawai, and Dr. Riella, who did everything they could to give Rick a second chance. Their tremendous efforts in leading the xenotransplant gave our family another seven weeks with Rick, and our memories of that time will live on in our minds and hearts.
After his transplant, one of the reasons Rick pursued the procedure was to give hope to the thousands of people who need transplants to survive. Rick accomplished that goal, and his faith and hope will live on forever. His legacy will be one that inspires patients, researchers and healthcare professionals everywhere. Our family asks for respectful privacy as we remember the beautiful soul of our beloved Rick.
Slayman Family Report
https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/new-beginning-weymouth-man-who-received-first-genetically-edited-pig-kidney-transplant-discharged/B7WMLXKLENCCPBUM4XOUDELRLU/
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