Massachusetts man who received first-ever pig kidney transplant dies at 62

BOSTON – The Massachusetts man who received the world’s first pig kidney transplant has died.

Rick Slayman, 62, of Weymouth, received the kidney from Massachusetts General Hospital on March 21st. He was released from the hospital two weeks later continue his convalescence at home.

There is no indication that this is the result of a transplant, according to MGH

The kidney was genetically modified to remove porcine genes and add human ones, which would help improve its capabilities.

Massachusetts General Hospital announced Slayman’s death Saturday, about two months after receiving the transplant. The hospital also stressed that there was no indication that his death was due to the transplant.

“The Mass General transplant team is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Mr. Rick Slayman. We have no indication that this was the result of his recent transplant. Mr. Slayman will forever be remembered as a beacon of hope for countless transplant patients around the world and we are deeply grateful for his trust and drive to advance the field of xenotransplantation. We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Slayman’s family and loved ones. occasion to remember an extraordinary person whose generosity and kindness touched all who knew him,” said Massachusetts General Hospital. said in a statement.

“Giving hope to thousands of people”

Slayman had been living with hypertension and type 2 diabetes for several years. He received a human kidney transplant in 2018, but five years later it began to fail.

In a statement, Slayman’s family remembered him as an inspiration to many people around the world.

“Millions of people around the world have come to know Rick’s story. We felt – and still feel – heartened by the optimism he brought to patients desperately waiting for a transplant. “Rick was a good man with a keen sense of humor who was fiercely devoted to his family, friends and colleagues,” Slayman’s family said in a statement.

“After his transplant, Rick said one of the reasons he underwent this procedure was to give hope to the thousands of people who need a transplant to survive. Rick achieved that goal and his hope and his optimism will live on forever,” said Slayman’s family.

The family also asked for privacy following Slayman’s death.