Richard Slayman, the recipient of the world's first pig kidney transplant, has been discharged from Massachusetts General Hospital and is heading home to Weymouth, Massachusetts. The 62-year-old patient, who was battling end-stage kidney disease, underwent the groundbreaking surgery on March 21. The genetically modified kidney, donated by eGenesis in Cambridge, was successfully transplanted into Slayman, who had previously received a human kidney transplant in 2018 that began failing five years later.

Slayman expressed his gratitude for the exceptional care he received from the doctors and nurses at Mass General Brigham health system, stating that leaving the hospital with a clean bill of health was one of the happiest moments of his life. He also thanked those who sent him well-wishes, including fellow patients awaiting kidney transplants, acknowledging that his recovery marks a new beginning not just for himself, but for others as well.

The successful outcome of the transplant has raised hopes for over 100,000 Americans on waiting lists for kidney transplants and more than 550,000 Americans suffering from kidney failure requiring dialysis. The genetically modified pig kidney is functioning properly in Slayman, producing urine, removing waste from the blood, and maintaining the body's fluid balance. While there is still a risk of rejection, doctors are optimistic about the potential for cross-species organ transplantation in the future.