A Massachusetts man given a genetically modified pig kidney in a transplant in March has passed away.
Richard "Rick" Slayman, 62, had the groundbreaking procedure after an end-stage kidney disease diagnosis.
His family issued a statement announcing the death.
"Our family is deeply saddened about the sudden passing of our beloved Rick but take great comfort knowing he inspired so many," said the statement.
"Millions of people worldwide have come to know Rick's story. We felt — and still feel— comforted by the optimism he provided patients desperately waiting for a transplant."
To "us, Rick was a kind-hearted man with a quick-witted sense of humor who was fiercely dedicated to his family, friends, and co-workers. We are extremely grateful to his care team across Massachusetts General Hospital and Mass General Brigham" and doctors, "who truly did everything they could to help give Rick a second chance," it added.
Massachusetts General Hospital, where the surgery occurred, said there was no indication the transplant caused his death.
The hospital said that Slayman will "forever be seen as a beacon of hope to countless transplant patients worldwide and we are deeply grateful for his trust and willingness to advance the field of xenotransplantation. We offer our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Slayman's family and loved ones as they remember an extraordinary person whose generosity and kindness touched all who knew him," it added.
Several biotech companies are working to develop a supply of cloned pigs whose DNA has been genetically modified so that human bodies won't reject them or spread pig viruses to people and cause other problems.
The kidney Slayman received came from a pig created by eGenesis of Cambridge, Mass. The eGenesis pigs are bred with 69 genetic modifications to prepare organs for human transplantation.
"We are grateful for the courageous contribution of the patient and to the advancement of transplantation science," Mike Curtis, chief executive officer for eGenesis, expressed in a statement after the transplant.
Slayman had "issued a statement after his implant: "I'm excited to resume spending time with my family, friends, and loved ones free from the burden of dialysis that has affected my quality of life for many years."
He was released from the hospital last month.
