Researchers implanted a genetically modified pig liver into a human patient and demonstrated that the graft could support core liver functions for an extended period before complications forced removal. The report — described publicly by the surgical team — showed the organ performed bile production and metabolic tasks consistent with hepatic support. The patient ultimately died, highlighting both the technical progress and the clinical risks that remain. The case provides the clearest in-human evidence to date that multi-gene engineered porcine livers can perform fundamental physiologic roles in people. Teams working on xenotransplantation say the result validates key editing strategies used to reduce hyperacute rejection and coagulation mismatches, but also underscores immunologic and perioperative hurdles that will shape regulatory review and trial design going forward. Ethical oversight and careful patient selection will be central to next steps.