In a landmark case for medical science, Tim Andrews, a 67-year-old man from New Hampshire, has made history by living 271 days with a genetically modified pig kidney the longest duration recorded so far. Surgeons at Mass General Brigham successfully transplanted the organ in January 2025, but it was removed on Thursday after doctors observed a decline in kidney function. Andrews will now return to dialysis treatment.
Andrews was the fourth living patient in the U.S. to receive a kidney from a genetically engineered pig designed to minimize rejection and other complications. Having battled diabetes since the 1990s and later diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease, Andrews relied on exhausting dialysis sessions lasting six hours a day, three days a week.
Despite the risks, Andrews volunteered for the xenotransplant, hoping his experience would advance research and inspire others. “If it could keep me off dialysis and help others, it was worth it,” he said.
In CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta Reports: Animal Pharm, Andrews described the transplant as transformative. “I was alive, and I hadn’t been in a long time,” he shared, calling the procedure “a miracle.”
With the new kidney, Andrews regained his strength cooking, walking his dog, and even throwing the first pitch at Fenway Park in June for his beloved Boston Red Sox.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta praised Andrews’ courage, saying, “His willingness to be part of medical history will no doubt impact thousands of future patients with kidney failure. He is a true pioneer.”
Mass General Brigham echoed the sentiment, calling Andrews a “selfless medical pioneer” and “an inspiration to patients with kidney failure around the world.”
On Facebook, Andrews reflected on his journey: “This was a punishing journey filled with unknowns and surprises… I am proud of everything we discovered, learned, and experienced.” He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the donor pig, affectionately named Wilma, writing, “Wilma is a major part of this medical breakthrough and a major part of my soul. I love you, Wilma!”
The hospital confirmed it plans to conduct another pig-to-human kidney transplant later this year, following similar procedures such as NYU’s 2024 case with patient Towana Looney, whose transplanted kidney functioned for over four months.
Andrews’ groundbreaking experience marks a crucial step forward in the future of xenotransplantation, offering renewed hope to millions suffering from kidney failure worldwide.
