A team at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore has successfully completed a transplant of a genetically modified pig heart into a human patient with end-stage cardiovascular disease.
The transplant of the genetically modified pig heart on Sept. 20 is reportedly the second-ever in the world, according to a Sept. 22 news release. The first also took place at the Baltimore-based medical center in 2022.
The transplant recipient was 58, and had been diagnosed with terminal heart disease prior to the operation. He is reportedly in recovery and communicating well with family and clinicians, the release stated.
The pig's heart was genetically modified to promote immune system acceptance in humans. Studies continue to be conducted by other systems, including NYU Langone, as well on the sustainability of pig organs transplanted into human patients.
"This transplant is another remarkable achievement for medicine and humanity that would not have been possible without the close relationship between University of Maryland Medical Center and our University of Maryland School of Medicine partners," Bert O'Malley, MD, president and CEO of the University of Maryland Medical Center said in the release.