Kidney disease patient Tim Andrews has been in the news recently. He was transplanted with a genetically-edited pig kidney dubbed “Wilma,” and it has been working well for more than eight months. In late January, a historic surgery that may revolutionize treatments was performed at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Yet, the momentous way this procedure laid bare imperative breakthroughs in organ transplantation technology.
That kidney, named Wilma, was made using groundbreaking CRISPR technology by the Cambridge-based biotech company eGenesis. That process only took 69 genetic edits. In their work, the researchers removed porcine endogenous retroviruses and added human genes to reduce inflammation and prevent organ rejection. More than 100,000 people in the U.S. are awaiting an organ transplant. Among them, 89,000 need a kidney, and this advance raises hope of making significant progress toward solving an enormous healthcare crisis.
Andrews had spent two years on dialysis after his end-stage kidney disease diagnosis. He said he experienced overwhelming gratitude and a full sense of connection to his new organ. “Wilma is my kidney,” said Andrews, noting the intimate connection he’s developed with the organ—the life-altering presence that now protects his standout potential.
A New Hope for Kidney Disease Patients
The organ transplant shortage, while still critical with more than 100,000 patients awaiting transplant, today is not as acute. With thirteen people dying every day in the United States waiting for a kidney transplant, there’s an urgent need for creative solutions. Andrews’ case represents a beacon of hope not only for him but for countless others on waiting lists across the nation.
Similarly, eGenesis recently received FDA authorization to proceed with more patients receiving the transplants. This clinical pilot study will enroll 33 participants aged 50+ years with endstage kidney failure. This initiative aims to expand access to life-saving organs through xenotransplantation, a field that continues to evolve with promising outcomes.
Andrews stays on top of a surgery-precautionary check-up schedule with his medical team—sometimes going in twice a week to ensure Wilma’s health is at its most peak. His commitment is a testament to the lifelong level of care needed after such a groundbreaking surgery. “You have to worry about that all the time by keeping Wilma alive,” he remarked. He stressed the importance of vigilance, which plays a key role in his life post-transplant.
Ethical Considerations and Future Implications
While the successful transplant is an obstacle toward the ongoing debate over ethical implications of xenotransplantation. Scientists have just started to scratch the surface of thinking through the ethical implications of producing genetically-modified animals for the advantage of humans. This is an opportunity for us to do some self-reflection on what we’ve done, said one unnamed professor participating in the discussion. We need to radically reimagine the way we use animals and products made by animals.
Equity and accessibility are on the minds of many, too. “What will be the cost to buy an organ? And who’s going to pay that cost? And how will equity and justice be ensured?” questioned ethicist Syd Johnson. Innovations in xenotransplantation are quickly progressing. We need your help to fix these things and make sure that life-saving treatments continue to be available to all of us.
Despite potential challenges ahead, Andrews remains hopeful. Life’s beautiful! The weather’s beautiful! What else could you ask for?” he said, bubbling over with enthusiasm as he spoke about the life-changing effects this experimental procedure has had on him.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Xenotransplantation
Pre-clinical testing is accelerating across the U.S. It has experts including chief transplant surgeon Dr. Dominique Martin increasingly hopeful about the prospects of pig kidneys becoming a viable transplant alternative. Martin said it is his hope that in the not-too-distant future we’ll see multiple people flourishing one year after receiving a pig kidney transplant. He’s looking forward to their success and survival stories.
Andrews’ case is grounds for breast surgeons to take pride, not just because of the great medical innovation shown here, but as a testament to human resilience. He refers to himself as a warrior, highlighting the battle he’s fought with his disease. “I am a warrior,” he announces with certainty. He is a true representation of the pioneers who doggedly challenge limits to innovate life-saving medical breakthroughs.
With Wilma’s successful performance over the past eight months, Tim Andrews’ journey underscores the potential of xenotransplantation as a viable solution for organ shortages. Researchers are hard at work on this promising new front. Millions of Americans are right to look forward to how these innovations will save lives and improve lives.
