A 66-year-old man with end-stage renal disease, a condition where the kidneys can no longer function adequately, lived 271 days without dialysis thanks to a genetically modified pig kidney. This marks the longest reported period of successful function for a pig kidney transplanted into a human and the first time a pig kidney has served as a "bridge" to a successful human kidney transplant. The findings suggest that pig organ transplants, or xenotransplantation, could offer a temporary solution for patients waiting for a human kidney, especially given the severe shortage of human organs. Kidney transplantation is generally considered more effective than dialysis for patients with end-stage renal disease, offering better survival rates and quality of life. However, the number of people in need of kidney transplants far exceeds the supply of available human organs. In the United States, over 100,000 people are currently waiting for an organ transplant. To address this shortage, scientists have explored pig organ transplants for decades, due to their physiological similarity and size compatibility with the human body. Genetic editing has allowed researchers to modify pig organs to reduce immune rejection and eliminate risks of disease transmission. In a groundbreaking study led by Mass General Brigham, a genetically modified pig kidney was transplanted into a living human for the first time. The patient, Tim Andrews, had end-stage renal disease caused by type 2 diabetes. With only a 9% chance of receiving a human kidney within five years and a high risk of dying or being removed from the transplant list, he became a candidate for the experimental procedure. The pig, named Wilma, underwent 69 genetic modifications to reduce the risk of immune rejection and disease transmission. The transplanted kidney functioned immediately, and although a mild immune rejection occurred, it was quickly managed with immunosuppressive drugs. Andrews was able to avoid dialysis for nearly nine months before the kidney failed due to vascular issues and inflammation. While the pig kidney did not last long enough to serve as a permanent solution, it functioned longer than any previous pig kidney transplant in a living human. After nine months, the kidney was removed, and Andrews resumed dialysis. However, he later received a successful human kidney transplant from a deceased donor. The researchers noted that no new antibodies were formed against the donor kidney, indicating that the pig kidney transplant did not interfere with the success of the human transplant. Although this case is promising, the procedure requires specialized care and patient selection not available in all medical facilities. Further research on a larger group of patients will be needed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of pig xenotransplantation as a broader treatment option.