CNN —A 62-year-old man has died months after becoming the world’s first living recipient of a genetically edited pig kidney transplant, hailed as a medical milestone. Rick Slayman received the kidney at Massachusetts General in March after he had been diagnosed with end-stage kidney disease last year. “Our family is deeply saddened about the sudden passing of our beloved Rick but take great comfort knowing he inspired so many,” a family statement said. Before Slayman’s transplant, just two transplants using pig organs had been completed – both heart transplants performed under compassionate use. EGenesis, the biotech company providing the genetically edited pig kidney, called Slayman “a true pioneer” in a statement late Saturday night.

---

Persons: Rick Slayman, Mr, Slayman, Slayman’s, ”, “, Rick, –, ” Slayman, Tatsuo Kawai Organizations: CNN, Massachusetts General, Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Legorreta, Procurement, Transplantation Network, Massachusetts Locations: Massachusetts, ” Massachusetts