US-based human-compatible engineered organs developer eGenesis has announced the second transplantation of its genetically engineered porcine kidney into a human.
The company’s gene-modified organ was transplanted into Tim Andrews, a 66-year-old patient living with end-stage kidney disease, as part of a clinical trial.
The procedure was performed at the Massachusetts General Transplant Centre under the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA)-authorised Expanded Access pathway.
It is the second such procedure performed at the Mass General Transplant Centre, following the transplant of a modified pig kidney into the first human in March 2024.
Massachusetts General Hospital kidney transplantation medical director Leonardo Riella said: “The transplant team at MGH is honoured to collaborate with eGenesis in pushing the boundaries of innovation to address the global organ shortage.
“Our three-patient study this year will provide critical insights into the long-term viability of xenotransplants as a transformative solution for thousands of patients in need of a life-saving kidney.
“We are deeply grateful to our patient for entrusting us with his care and for his selfless commitment to advancing the field of xenotransplantation for future recipients worldwide.”
Tim Andrews has been on dialysis for more than two years due to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and faced severe complications, including a heart attack in July 2023.
His O-group blood type significantly extended his wait time for a human kidney transplant.
Also, Tim Andrews had only a 9% chance of receiving a human kidney within the next five years, with a 49% probability of being removed from the waitlist due to illness or death.
Andrews said: “As soon as I woke up after the surgery, the cloud of dialysis disappeared. I felt re-energised and revitalised. It was a miracle.
“The magnitude of what these doctors and nurses accomplished is unbelievable and I want to thank them for giving me a new lease on life.
“But this transplant isn’t about me. It’s about all the people who I met at the dialysis clinic, and I saw what they were going through.
“There are more than 500,000 people on dialysis, and I want to inspire them to never give up hope because that’s what this transplant provides. It’s a glimmer of hope.”
The engineered organ, dubbed EGEN-2784, is the company’s lead candidate for kidney transplantation designed to improve compatibility and support long-term function.
It features three genetic modifications, the elimination of three glycan antigens, the insertion of seven human transgenes, and the inactivation of retroviruses within the porcine genome.
After the transplant, Andrews was discharged from Mass General Hospital and is now recovering, without needing dialysis for two years.
The patient was treated with a unique immunosuppression regimen, including tegoprubart, an investigational monoclonal antibody designed to target the CD40L pathway.
eGenesis CEO Michael Curtis said: “We are immensely grateful to Mr Andrews, who has placed his trust in our groundbreaking innovation.
“His willingness to participate in this pioneering effort will help turn the promise of human-compatible organs into a reality.
“We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with the remarkable team at MGH, whose expertise and dedication have been instrumental in making this vision possible.”
