A genetically modified pig kidney survived inside a human patient for nine months before removal, shattering all previous records and bringing science fiction medicine closer to reality.

Story Highlights

• Tim Andrews lived dialysis-free for 271 days with a pig kidney, setting a new xenotransplantation record
• Advanced genetic modifications enabled the pig organ to function successfully in a human for an unprecedented duration
• This breakthrough represents a major leap toward solving America’s deadly organ shortage crisis
• Patient survived the removal procedure but complications eventually required the organ’s extraction

Breaking the Biological Barrier

Tim Andrews, a 67-year-old patient facing end-stage kidney disease, became an unlikely pioneer when surgeons transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into his body in January 2025. The organ functioned remarkably well, freeing him from the exhausting routine of dialysis treatments that had dominated his life for over two years. What happened next would rewrite medical textbooks.

The pig kidney continued working month after month, far exceeding the four-month survival record previously held by another patient named Towana Looney. Andrews’ case demonstrated that xenotransplantation—transplanting animal organs into humans—could potentially offer long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.

Watch:

Engineering Life at the Genetic Level

The success stemmed from sophisticated genetic modifications performed by eGenesis, a biotechnology company that essentially redesigned pig organs to be compatible with human biology. Scientists reduced antigens that trigger immune rejection while adding human genes to improve compatibility. These modifications represent years of painstaking research aimed at overcoming the fundamental biological incompatibility between species.

Wayne Hawthorne from the University of Sydney called the six-month milestone “amazing” and suggested that reaching twelve months would be “fantastic.” The genetic engineering approach addresses the core problem that plagued earlier xenotransplantation attempts—the human immune system’s violent rejection of foreign animal tissue.

The Reality of Medical Necessity

Andrews’ case occurred under compassionate use protocols, not a standard clinical trial, highlighting the desperate need for alternatives to traditional organ donation. Thousands of Americans die annually while waiting for kidney transplants, and the shortage continues worsening despite public awareness campaigns promoting organ donation.

The transplant team described the nine-month survival as a “landmark case” that proves extended xenotransplantation viability. However, emerging complications eventually necessitated the organ’s removal, though specific details about these complications remain undisclosed. Andrews survived the removal procedure and resumed dialysis treatment.

Charting the Path Forward

This breakthrough carries profound implications for American healthcare and medical innovation. The economic burden of dialysis treatment costs billions annually, while thousands of productive citizens remain sidelined by kidney failure. Successful xenotransplantation could dramatically expand the available organ supply while reducing healthcare costs and human suffering.

The case also raises important questions about regulatory oversight and safety protocols. While the results appear promising, long-term risks including immune rejection, viral transmission, and unforeseen complications require careful study. The medical community must balance innovation with patient safety as this technology advances toward broader clinical application.

Sources:

Pig Kidney Removed From Transplant Patient After Nine Months – Nature