Hope and Science: Inside the Richard Slayman Clinical Xenotransplantation Workshop

Xenotransplantation is the process of transplanting organs, tissues, or cells from animals into humans. Recent advances in genetic engineering have helped scientists study whether organs from specially modified pigs could one day become a new source of organs for people who need transplants.

Learn more about xenotransplantation.

More than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for a kidney transplant. For many, receiving a kidney from a donor could mean more time with family, fewer health challenges, and a better quality of life.

But the need for kidneys far exceeds the number of available donor organs. That shortage is why researchers are exploring new approaches, including xenotransplantation.

The 2nd Richard Slayman Clinical Xenotransplantation Workshop, held at NYU Langone Health, brought together transplant experts, researchers, regulators, and patient advocates to discuss the latest progress in this rapidly evolving field.

The workshop was co-chaired by Dr. Robert Montgomery and honored the legacy of Richard Slayman, the first person to receive a clinical kidney xenotransplant. His experience marked an important moment in transplant history and helped advance conversations about how xenotransplantation may help address the organ shortage.

While much of the workshop focused on science and research, one message was clear: the future of xenotransplantation must include the voices of patients.

A patient and family panel, organized and led by NKF’s Heather Murphy, brought together people affected by kidney disease to share their experiences, hopes, and concerns. Their stories helped remind researchers and policymakers why this work matters.

The discussion highlighted an important part of medical innovation–new treatments must not only be scientifically possible but also address the needs, questions, and values of the people who may one day receive them.

NKF’s xenotransplantation support group was also recognized during the workshop, reflecting the importance of building a community where patients and families can connect, learn, and share their experiences as research continues.

The workshop included participation from leaders across the transplant community, including representatives from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Experts discussed both the promise and the challenges of xenotransplantation. While early research has shown encouraging progress, xenotransplantation remains in the clinical trial stage. Many questions still need to be answered before this could become a widely available treatment option.

Researchers continue to study important areas such as:

• How long can xenotransplanted organs function safely in people
• How to best monitor and measure transplant success
• How genetic changes to pig organs may improve outcomes
• How to ensure patient safety throughout the process

These questions are a normal and necessary part of developing any new medical treatment. Careful research and oversight will help ensure that future advances are safe, effective, and centered on patients.

Learn more with NKF's interactive xenotransplant FAQ. 

Xenotransplantation represents one possible path toward addressing the kidney transplant shortage. While there is still much to learn, collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patients will help move this field forward.

NKF remains committed to supporting innovation that can improve the lives of people affected by kidney disease. By bringing patient voices into important scientific conversations and advocating for responsible progress, we will continue working toward a future where more people can receive the kidney transplants they need.

Want to make a difference in kidney legislation? Become a Voices for Kidney Health Advocate today.