A New Jersey patient's genetically edited pig kidney transplantation and its outcome
On June 3, TapTechNews reported that according to CNN, NYU Langone Health released a statement on Friday stating that Lisa Pisano, a 54-year-old patient from New Jersey, had the transplanted pig kidney removed due to gradually declining kidney function after receiving a genetically edited pig kidney transplant. Pisano is currently in stable condition and has started dialysis treatment.
Pisano first received an implant of a mechanical heart pump (left ventricular assist device, LVAD) on April 4, and then received a transplant of a kidney and thymus from a genetically edited pig on April 12. According to NYU Langone Health, this is the first organ transplant in a global patient with a mechanical heart pump, and also the second case of transplanting a genetically edited pig kidney to a living recipient, and it is the first time to transplant the thymus together.
Due to the unique challenges encountered in managing Pisano's cardiovascular health and kidney function, on the 47th day after transplantation, the doctors decided to remove the pig kidney. Dr. Robert Montgomery, director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, explained in the statement that Pisano's blood pressure generated by using the left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is insufficient to provide the best blood perfusion for the kidney, resulting in a gradual decline in kidney function. He pointed out that after comprehensive consideration, it was considered that there was no longer a need to continue immunosuppressant therapy.
Although no signs of rejection were found in the recent kidney biopsy, but Montgomery said that the kidney has been severely damaged due to repeated insufficient blood supply. Pisano's heart pump is still working properly.
Currently, the demand for organs far exceeds the supply. Every day, 17 people in the US die waiting for organs, and kidneys are the most in shortage. According to the data of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, there were about 27,000 kidney transplants in 2023, but there are nearly 89,000 people on the waiting list.
Experts believe that xenotransplantation, that is, transplanting animal organs into the human body, is the key to solving the problem of organ shortage. Genetic editing can precisely modify the pig's DNA to help the human body recognize and accept animal organs. Pisano's doctors obtained the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), allowing terminally ill patients with no other options to use experimental medical products outside clinical trials according to its expanded access or compassionate use policy.
As TapTechNews understands, the pig kidney transplanted this time came from a genetically edited pig, and the pig's genes were modified to interrupt the generation of a sugar called alpha-gal, which exists on the surface of animal cells and will be recognized and attacked by human antibodies. The pig's thymus was placed under the kidney, aiming to help Pisano's immune system recognize and accept this organ.
Although the kidney had to be removed in the end, Montgomery emphasized the importance of Pisano's contribution to xenotransplantation research, and he said: Lisa knew that her selfless dedication would bring valuable learning opportunities to the world, and we will apply the knowledge she taught us to strive to make xenotransplantation a solution to the problem of human organ shortage.