# Pig Kidney Transplant Breaks Nine-Month Survival Record Genetically modified pig kidneys offer hope for organ shortage. - **Source:** [Science Latest](https://brifing.si/source/ebc20f22-8d1a-4ae4-ba4c-efcd0853ba19) - **Published:** 2026-09-03 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/f910256e-a45d-466d-b04a-127772cc899c ## Record-Breaking Transplant A woman has lived with a genetically modified pig kidney for over nine months, setting a new record. The transplant, performed at Massachusetts General Hospital, marks the longest survival with a pig kidney. Previously, Tim Andrews held the record at 271 days. This breakthrough highlights the potential of pig organs as temporary solutions for patients awaiting human transplants. ## The Role of CRISPR Technology The pig kidney was modified using CRISPR gene editing by eGenesis, a biotech company. Scientists removed pig genes that could trigger immune rejection and added human genes to enhance compatibility. This innovation aims to reduce the risk of organ rejection and prevent the transmission of pig viruses to humans, making pig kidneys safer for transplantation. ## Dialysis Challenges Patients with kidney failure often endure dialysis, a taxing procedure requiring four-hour sessions three times a week. Dialysis can damage blood vessels over time and worsen health, reducing eligibility for human transplants. Pig kidneys offer a temporary alternative, improving patients' health while they wait for human organs, as seen in Tim Andrews' case. ## Global Organ Shortage The demand for human kidneys far exceeds supply, with patients waiting three to five years on average. Pig organs, similar in size and function to human organs, are being explored to address this shortage. Successful transplants like the recent nine-month case demonstrate their potential to bridge the gap until human organs become available. ## Tim Andrews' Case Tim Andrews, suffering from end-stage kidney disease, received a pig kidney in January 2025. It kept him off dialysis for nine months, a record at the time, before he received a human kidney. His case proved pig kidneys could serve as a temporary 'bridge' to human transplants, offering hope for critically ill patients. ## Expanded Access Pathway The woman who surpassed the nine-month mark is the fifth patient to receive an eGenesis kidney through the FDA's expanded access program. This pathway allows patients with life-threatening conditions to access experimental treatments when no alternatives exist. It underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to organ shortages. ## Health Improvements Patients with pig kidneys experience significant health improvements compared to those on chronic dialysis. Mike Curtis, CEO of eGenesis, noted that Tim Andrews' overall health improved radically while on the pig kidney. This highlights the potential of pig organs to enhance patients' quality of life during the wait for human transplants. ## Future Implications The success of pig kidney transplants opens new possibilities for addressing organ shortages. With CRISPR technology, scientists can further refine pig organs for human use. While challenges remain, these breakthroughs offer hope for thousands of patients awaiting transplants, potentially transforming the field of organ transplantation. ## Sources covering this story - [Science Latest — Domuz Böbreği Nakliyle 9 Ay Yaşayan Hasta Rekor Kırdı](https://www.wired.com/story/pig-kidney-transplant-working-after-record-setting-9-months/) - [Slashdot — Genetically Modified Pig Kidney Sustains Patient for Nine Months](https://science.slashdot.org/story/26/09/04/0433242/genetically-modified-pig-kidney-keeps-man-alive-for-record-nine-months?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._