Genetically Modified Pig Kidney Functioned in Human Body for 271 Days
Summary
A genetically modified pig kidney functioned inside 66-year-old Tim Andrews for 271 days before being removed, marking the longest known survival of a pig kidney in a human. Andrews later received a human donor kidney, while researchers highlighted the promise of animal-to-human organ transplantation amid a severe kidney shortage.
Key Points
- A genetically modified pig kidney transplanted at Massachusetts General Hospital functioned in Tim Andrews’ body for 271 days.
- The kidney was removed in October 2025, after which Andrews underwent dialysis for 82 days before receiving a human donor kidney in January 2026.
- Doctors said this is the first time a pig kidney has functioned in a human for such a long period.
- Researchers are exploring xenotransplantation because of the shortage of human organs and long transplant waiting lists.
