‘Pig kidney transplant, HIV prevention injection’ — top medical breakthroughs of 2024

As the world continues to tackle healthcare challenges, 2024 has brought remarkable advances that are reshaping the way we diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. From animal-to-human organ transplants to innovative blood tests for Alzheimer’s, this year’s breakthroughs have offered hope and new possibilities for millions.

Here are some of the most significant medical achievements of the year.

PIG ORGANS FOR HUMAN TRANSPLANTS 

In a groundbreaking development, surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital in the United States transplanted a pig’s kidney into a living human recipient for the first time.

The patient, 62-year-old Richard Slayman, was on dialysis for many years before receiving a kidney transplant from a deceased human donor in December 2018 from the hospital.

Although Slayman died two months after, this breakthrough represents a crucial step towards addressing the global shortage of organ donors.

BLOOD TEST FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE 

Swedish scientists have developed a blood test capable of detecting Alzheimer’s disease in older adults with an impressive accuracy rate of approximately 90 percent.

The test, named PrecivityAD2, measures biomarkers in the blood, offering a less invasive and potentially more accessible alternative to current diagnostic methods.

While not yet approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it holds promise for improving early detection and treatment.

AT-HOME COMBINATION TEST FOR COVID-19 AND FLU

In a first over-the-counter diagnostics, the FDA has approved a rapid test that detects both COVID-19 and influenza.

Developed by Healgen Scientific LLC, the test uses a nasal swab to identify proteins from influenza A, influenza B, and COVID-19 viruses within 15 minutes.

Unlike earlier tests authorised under emergency use measures, this one has received full FDA approval, marking a significant step forward in home healthcare.

HIV PREVENTION INJECTION 

While a cure for HIV remains elusive, a breakthrough injection called Lenacapavir has shown great promise in prevention.

Administered just twice a year, Lenacapavir targets the HIV capsid, offering a novel approach to treatment and prevention.

Trials in South Africa, Uganda, and other countries demonstrated near-complete protection among diverse groups, paving the way for expanded use in regions most affected by the virus.

SCHIZOPHRENIA DRUG

A novel schizophrenia drug, Cobenfy, received FDA approval this year, marking a significant advance in mental health treatment.

Developed by Bristol Myers Squibb, Cobenfy targets acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter linked to cognitive function.

The drug not only offers improved outcomes for people living with schizophrenia but could also benefit those with other neurological conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease.

REPLACEMENT HEART VALVES THAT CONTINUE TO GROW 

In a pioneering surgery, doctors successfully transplanted living heart valves into a baby born with defective valves.

Unlike traditional replacements, these valves grow and repair themselves, offering a transformative solution for congenital heart defects.

This breakthrough could also lead to new approaches in treating conditions such as pulmonary valve disease.