Pig Kidney Keeps Man off Dialysis for 271 Days

American Tim Andrews lived for a record 271 days with a transplanted pig kidney without needing dialysis, according to NBC News.

Andrews was 66 when doctors at Mass General Brigham transplanted the pig kidney in January 2025. It continued to function until he received a human kidney, which is still working.

The 271 days is the longest recorded period that a living recipient of a pig kidney has gone without dialysis. Andrews is also the first such patient to subsequently receive a human kidney.

Researchers say the case shows that pig kidneys could serve as a temporary bridge, allowing patients to come off dialysis while they wait for a suitable human donor.

The potential is considerable – more than 100,000 people are on the US transplant waiting list, the vast majority of whom need a kidney.

(mja)