U.S. performs first human transplant of genetically modified pig kidney

LOS ANGELES, March 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. surgeons have performed the world's first successful transplant of a genetically-edited pig kidney into a 62-year-old man living with end-stage kidney disease, Massachusetts General Hospital announced on Thursday.

Surgeons from the hospital's Mass General Transplant Center conducted the four-hour-long surgery last Saturday. The procedure marks a major milestone in the quest to provide more readily available organs to patients, said the hospital.