A “first across the bridge”: What Tim Andrews’ pig kidney journey means for the future

This month, CNN shared an extraordinary milestone in transplant medicine: Tim Andrews, a New Hampshire man with diabetes and end-stage kidney disease, became the first person known to receive both a genetically modified pig kidney and later a human kidney transplant. His experience shows why scientists are pursuing xenotransplantation—because too many people spend years tied to dialysis while waiting for an organ match.[edition.cnn]​

Andrews received the pig kidney transplant at Massachusetts General Hospital in January 2025, then later received a call that a near-perfect match for a human kidney had been found and underwent human transplant surgery shortly after. CNN reported the pig kidney functioned for a long stretch (a record 271 days was reported in earlier coverage), before rejection-related damage led to removal and a return to dialysis—until the human kidney became

Why this matters (even though it’s not a cure)

This story matters because it proves something that used to sound impossible: an animal organ can support a human life outside the operating room, in the real world, for months. CNN also reported that doctors screened Andrews for antibodies before the human transplant and found none that would react with the new kidney, and that his post–human transplant immunosuppression regimen was about one-third of what he needed with the pig kidney.

At the same time, the story is honest about the challenge: the pig kidney ultimately showed signs of rejection that doctors couldn’t reverse, and it had to be removed. That’s not failure—it’s how medical progress happens: each pioneer teaches the field what to improve next, including how to detect and treat “low-level” rejection earlier.

What Kidney Konnect wants South LA to know

For Black and Brown communities in South LA, dialysis is not just a medical treatment—it’s a lifestyle disruption that affects income, caregiving, mental health, and the ability to show up for family. (No citation—community perspective.) The promise of xenotransplantation is not “pig kidneys for everyone tomorrow,” but the possibility of fewer people stuck waiting—and fewer people dying while waiting.

Kidney Konnect will keep tracking this space with clear eyes:

• Xenotransplantation is still experimental, and outcomes are not yet predictable for every patient.

• But Andrews’ case shows the concept can work long enough to change a person’s options—and to accelerate better, safer trials.

What to do right now (today’s action steps)

Xenotransplant trials won’t help most people next week, but earlier kidney care can. (No citation—general guidance.) If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, ask your clinic about:

• Annual kidney labs (eGFR and urine albumin). (No citation—general guidance.)

• A referral to a nephrologist earlier than “stage 5,” so you have more choices (including transplant evaluation). (No citation—general guidance.)

Kidney Konnect will continue translating the science into practical, community-first guidance as these trials evolve.