January 17, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
In a landmark moment for medical science, Tim Andrews, a 67-year-old man from New Hampshire, has become the first known patient in the world to receive a human kidney transplant after previously living with an experimental genetically modified pig kidney, marking a notable advance in the evolving field of xenotransplantation.
Andrews — who suffers from diabetes and had been battling end-stage kidney disease made headlines after undergoing an experimental xenotransplant at Mass General Brigham in Boston in January 2025, when surgeons implanted a genetically engineered pig kidney designed to function inside a human body. The transplant, aimed at bridging the gap for patients waiting for human organs, lasted a record 271 days, offering a period of freedom from dialysis and improved quality of life.
Despite the initial success, Andrews’ body eventually began to reject the pig organ. It was removed in October 2025, and he returned to regular dialysis a rigorous regimen that keeps many patients alive but is widely regarded as a taxing substitute for a functioning kidney.
Just after midnight on January 12, 2026, Andrews received a call from his transplant team at Mass General Brigham that a human kidney a near-perfect donor match had been identified. He was prepped and underwent transplant surgery at 8 a.m. the next day. The procedure was successful, and Andrews was discharged home to New Hampshire only days later, where he is now recovering and reportedly doing well.
“I’m the first one that went across the bridge… the only person in the world that’s ever had a pig kidney and then had a human kidney after it,” Andrews told reporters. “Nobody’s ever been across that bridge. That is cool!” he said, highlighting the personal and scientific significance of his journey.
Medical experts note that Andrews’ experience underscores both the promise and the limits of xenotransplantation the practice of transplanting organs between species to address the critical shortage of human donor organs. At any given time in the United States, more than 100,000 people are on organ waiting lists, with roughly 80 % awaiting kidneys, and only a fraction ever receive a transplant.
Andrews’ pig kidney transplant lasted far longer than most previous attempts. For researchers, even though his organ ultimately failed, the procedure provided invaluable real-world data on immune response, organ viability, and how to adjust immunosuppressive therapies for future patients. According to Andrews’ care team, his experience contributes to refinements that could improve outcomes for upcoming xenotransplant recipients.
Earlier pioneers in the field have laid the groundwork for this moment. In 2024, Rick Slayman, a 62-year-old patient, became the first person to receive a genetically modified pig kidney; he survived with the organ for several weeks before dying of unrelated heart issues, according to medical reports.
Advocates of xenotransplantation contend that animal-derived organs once perfected could dramatically reduce wait times and deaths among those with organ failure. Research institutions, biotechnology firms, and regulatory bodies are pushing forward with clinical trials to explore safety, efficacy, and long-term outcomes.
As Andrews resumes life with a human kidney, his unique medical journey bridges experimental innovation and conventional transplantation offering a compelling case study of how cutting-edge science might one day save countless lives in an era plagued by donor organ scarcity.
Source: CTV News