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El Paso Man Pioneers Kidney Transplant Journey from Pig to Human Organ

KVIA•Friday, January 16, 2026 at 7:04 PM•CNN Newsource

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Tim Andrews, a 67-year-old man from New Hampshire, has made medical history by becoming the first person to receive a human kidney after initially receiving a genetically modified pig kidney. His journey began with the pig transplant on January 25, 2025, which lasted for 271 days before rejection led him back to dialysis. On January 12, 2026, he received a near-perfect human kidney match, marking a significant milestone in xenotransplantation and offering hope for patients facing organ shortages. This procedure highlights the potential of animal organs to bridge the gap until more human donors are available, as over 100,000 people in the U.S. are currently waiting for organ transplants, with 80% needing kidneys.

Key Details: • Tim Andrews received a pig kidney on January 25, 2025, and lived with it for 271 days. • He underwent human kidney transplant surgery on January 13, 2026. • Currently, over 100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for organ transplants. • Andrews' experience may help refine treatment protocols for future xenotransplant patients.

healthcare organ-donation transplant xenotransplantation kidney

People & Organizations

Tim AndrewsDr. Leonardo RiellaMike CurtisNew HampshireMass General BrighameGenesis

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