Richard Slayman Explained

Richard Slayman (1961/1962 – May 11, 2024) was an American patient, known to be the first patient to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant.^{[1] [2]}

Background

Slayman, a supervisor for the state transportation department from Weymouth, Massachusetts, had received a human kidney in 2018. When it began to fail in 2023 and he developed congestive heart failure, his doctors suggested he try one from a modified pig, which he received in a procedure at Massachusetts General Hospital on March 16, 2024.^{[3] [4]}

Death

Slayman died on May 11, 2024, at the age of 62. The hospital said in a statement that they "have no indication" the death was caused by the transplant.^{[5] [6]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: The first person to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant has died. NPR.org. EN. May 12, 2024. May 12, 2024.
2. Web site: Patient Dies Weeks After Kidney Transplant From Genetically Modified Pig. New York Times. EN. May 12, 2024. May 12, 2024.
3. Web site: May 11, 2024 . An Update on Mr. Rick Slayman, World’s First Recipient of a Genetically-Modified Pig Kidney . May 13, 2024 . Massachusetts General . EN.
4. Web site: Mass. patient who received pig kidney leaves hospital, continues recovery at home. Wbur.com. EN. April 3, 2024. May 13, 2024.
5. Web site: World’s First Pig Kidney Recipient Dies Two Months After Transplant. Jang.com. EN. May 12, 2024. May 13, 2024.
6. Web site: US patient, 62, who had first ever pig kidney transplant dies two months after operation. Standard.co.uk. EN. May 12, 2024. May 13, 2024.