First Genetically Modified Pig Kidneys Transplanted into Humans – Financial Success for “Science” but Deadly for Humans

The first man to receive a genetically modified pig kidney died last month, less than two months after the transplant. The transplant was done in March (2024), with much fanfare over being the first person to receive a pig kidney. The doctors told him and his family they expected him to live "for at least 2 years." The second person to receive a pig kidney transplant was Lisa Pisano in April (2024). But 47 days later they had to remove the pig kidney to keep her alive. So were these first two cases of humans receiving a genetically modified pig kidney a success, or a failure? The answer to that question depends upon one's perspective, and what kind of outcomes one is expecting from the huge amount of money that is being invested to research "xenotransplantation". If the expected outcome was to increase the lives of the patients, then no, it was not a success. But if the expected outcome was to convince investors to keep investing in the technology and deriving great profit, based on a BELIEF that this technology would someday be successful and "scalable," then yes, it was a success, because the patients did not die immediately on the operating table, and investors will most likely continue funding such research.