News

Breakthrough: Genetically Modified Pig Kidney Transplanted into Living Patient

Published

1 year ago

March 25, 2024

Photo by: Massachusetts General Hospital

In a groundbreaking medical achievement, surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have pioneered a procedure that could revolutionize organ transplantation. On Saturday, a four-hour operation marked the first successful transplantation of a genetically modified pig kidney into a living patient, addressing the chronic shortage of donor organs.

The recipient, a 62-year-old man named Richard Slayman suffering from end-stage kidney disease, underwent the transformative surgery. This milestone procedure not only offers a lifeline to individuals like Slayman but also signifies a major leap forward in providing more accessible organ options for patients worldwide.

The pig kidney utilized in the transplant was meticulously prepared by a Massachusetts biotech firm, eGenesis. Through genetic editing, the kidney underwent modifications to eliminate harmful pig genes while incorporating certain human genes, enhancing compatibility and minimizing the risk of rejection.

Slayman, who had previously received a human kidney transplant in 2018, faced the prospect of organ failure before this innovative intervention. With his recovery progressing well at MGH, Slayman represents hope not only for himself but also for the thousands awaiting transplants, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds disproportionately affected by kidney disease.

This historic achievement falls within the burgeoning field of xenotransplantation, where organs from one species are transplanted into another. While previous attempts involved pig kidneys transplanted into brain-dead patients, Slayman’s case marks the first instance of such a procedure on a living individual.

The successful transplant, conducted under the “compassionate use” policy, underscores the potential of experimental therapies in addressing critical medical needs. Despite the regulatory complexities, this pioneering effort signifies a significant step toward reshaping the landscape of organ transplantation.

Looking ahead, the implications of this achievement are profound. It not only promises to alleviate the organ shortage crisis but also offers a glimmer of hope for achieving health equity by providing life-saving solutions to all patients in need. As Slayman’s nephrologist, Winfred Williams, aptly stated, this breakthrough could finally bridge the gap in healthcare access and offer renewed hope for those battling kidney failure.

In the realm of medicine, where challenges abound, this success story stands as a beacon of progress—a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance in the face of adversity. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, let us remain vigilant in our pursuit of further advancements, ensuring that every individual has access to the care they deserve.

Source: philstarlife, cnnheath and msn

News

World Leaders to Attend Pope Francis’ Funeral in Rome on Saturday

Published

14 hours ago

April 23, 2025

Filman

Pope Francis, renowned for his humility and commitment to building bridges across different backgrounds and faiths, has died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced. His funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26. The pontiff passed away on Monday after a period of declining health, which included an extended hospital stay earlier this year due to double pneumonia.

A number of world leaders are expected to attend the funeral, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Prince William.

Meanwhile, a second cardinal eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave to elect the next pope has withdrawn due to health concerns. Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera, 79, will not travel to Rome for the funeral or participate in the conclave, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Madrid confirmed to ABC News. Although still under the voting age limit of 80, his health has prevented his involvement.

Earlier this week, Cardinal Vinko Puljić also announced he would not take part in the conclave for similar health-related reasons, according to Italy’s ANSA news agency.

Cardinal Cañizares Llovera is one of five voting-eligible cardinals from Spain. Of the 252 total members of the College of Cardinals, only 135 are under the age of 80 and thus eligible to vote. With these two cardinals stepping aside, 133 are now expected to cast ballots to elect the 267th pope.

News

President Bongbong Marcos Turns Over 91 Ambulances to Northern Mindanao and BARMM

Published

14 hours ago

April 23, 2025

Filman

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial turnover of 91 modern ambulances to the Northern Mindanao Region and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) yesterday, held at the Pelaez Sports Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

Of the total units, 85 were distributed to various municipalities and cities across Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur. The remaining six units were allocated to the BARMM.

The turnover is part of a PHP 2.2 billion government initiative to acquire 1,000 ambulances for nationwide distribution, aimed at enhancing the emergency and disaster response capabilities of Local Government Units (LGUs).

These state-of-the-art Patient Transport Vehicles were provided through the Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP) of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Each ambulance is equipped with a stretcher, oxygen tank, and blood pressure monitor to ensure the safe and efficient transport of patients during emergencies.

News

Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Jolts Parts of Mindanao

Published

18 hours ago

April 23, 2025

News Team

Several areas in Mindanao were rocked by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake on Tuesday night, causing panic among residents and prompting precautionary safety checks across affected communities.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the earthquake struck at around 10:00 p.m., with the epicenter located near the province of Davao del Sur. The tremor was tectonic in origin and had a depth of focus of 15 kilometers.

Strong shaking was felt in various parts of Mindanao, including Davao City, General Santos, Cotabato, and nearby provinces. In some areas, the quake lasted several seconds and caused items to fall from shelves and power outages to occur briefly.

There were no immediate reports of major damage or casualties, but local disaster response units were quickly mobilized to assess the situation and ensure the safety of residents. Authorities have advised the public to remain vigilant as aftershocks are expected.

Phivolcs reminded residents in quake-prone areas to review emergency preparedness plans and stay updated through official channels for any developments.

The earthquake serves as a reminder of the country’s vulnerability to seismic activity, as the Philippines lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur each year.

Source: PHIVOLCS