Groundbreaking HIV-to-HIV Lung Transplant: A New Hope for Patients
In a landmark advance for medical science, NYU Langone Health has successfully executed the world’s first lung transplant involving two HIV-positive patients. This significant achievement offers renewed hope to individuals within the HIV community who require organ transplants, highlighting a transformative shift in organ donation policies.
The procedure, which took place on March 21, 2026, represents not only a major step forward in transplant medicine but also a crucial development in addressing the barriers faced by HIV-positive patients in receiving life-saving organ donations. Previously, many would-be donors living with HIV were deemed unsuitable, severely limiting the availability of organs for those in need.
Dr. Sapna Mehta, the clinical director at the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, plays a pivotal role in advocating for equitable access to organ transplantation. “This is a watershed moment for the HIV-positive community and embodies real progress toward creating equity in organ transplantation,” she emphasized. The success of this operation is primarily anchored in the research protocol sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which allows for specific procedures under the HIV Organ Policy Equity Act (HOPE Act).
The recipient of this historic transplant, Bertrand Nelson, 56, had been living with HIV for almost 26 years. Despite being diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a condition affecting the lungs, his doctors had managed to keep his health stable until a severe case of Legionnaires' disease in 2021 exacerbated his condition. After years of incremental declines and increasing dependence on oxygen, Bertrand was referred to NYU Langone’s Transplant Institute for evaluation.
The research protocol under the HOPE Act had opened a new avenue for Bertrand, leading to his assessment for both lung and liver transplants. According to Dr. Mark A. Sonnick, a transplant pulmonologist at the institute, “Transplantation of lungs under the HOPE Act is an unprecedented undertaking, requiring a patient willing to participate in something entirely novel.”
On the day of the transplant, Bertrand not only received new lungs but also a new liver, showcasing the capability of NYU Langone in performing complex dual-organ transplants. Following the procedure, Bertrand was able to breathe without supplemental oxygen for the first time in four years, and he expressed profound gratitude toward his family, particularly his mother, stating, “I want to be well for her. I want her to see me thriving.”
Bertrand’s journey speaks volumes, not just for himself, but as a beacon of hope for countless others in the HIV community who may be facing similar health challenges. He passionately advocates for increased awareness about the need for organ donations and the potential for more individuals to receive the care they so desperately need. “The more organs that become available, the better the odds of finding the right match and living a long life,” he remarked.
NYU Langone Health continues to set a high standard in patient outcomes, demonstrating the power of innovation and teamwork in healthcare. Consistently recognized as one of the best health systems in the United States, NYU Langone excels in patient care across its numerous facilities, employing a vast network dedicated to research and medical advancements.
This historic transplant not only paves the way for future procedures involving HIV-positive donors and recipients but also raises critical dialogue about the challenges faced by individuals with HIV. As society embraces more inclusive healthcare practices, the success of this transplant may serve as a catalyst for broader discussions on organ transplant policies and the need for equitable healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their HIV status.
The procedure, which took place on March 21, 2026, represents not only a major step forward in transplant medicine but also a crucial development in addressing the barriers faced by HIV-positive patients in receiving life-saving organ donations. Previously, many would-be donors living with HIV were deemed unsuitable, severely limiting the availability of organs for those in need.
Dr. Sapna Mehta, the clinical director at the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, plays a pivotal role in advocating for equitable access to organ transplantation. “This is a watershed moment for the HIV-positive community and embodies real progress toward creating equity in organ transplantation,” she emphasized. The success of this operation is primarily anchored in the research protocol sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which allows for specific procedures under the HIV Organ Policy Equity Act (HOPE Act).
The recipient of this historic transplant, Bertrand Nelson, 56, had been living with HIV for almost 26 years. Despite being diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a condition affecting the lungs, his doctors had managed to keep his health stable until a severe case of Legionnaires' disease in 2021 exacerbated his condition. After years of incremental declines and increasing dependence on oxygen, Bertrand was referred to NYU Langone’s Transplant Institute for evaluation.
The research protocol under the HOPE Act had opened a new avenue for Bertrand, leading to his assessment for both lung and liver transplants. According to Dr. Mark A. Sonnick, a transplant pulmonologist at the institute, “Transplantation of lungs under the HOPE Act is an unprecedented undertaking, requiring a patient willing to participate in something entirely novel.”
On the day of the transplant, Bertrand not only received new lungs but also a new liver, showcasing the capability of NYU Langone in performing complex dual-organ transplants. Following the procedure, Bertrand was able to breathe without supplemental oxygen for the first time in four years, and he expressed profound gratitude toward his family, particularly his mother, stating, “I want to be well for her. I want her to see me thriving.”
Bertrand’s journey speaks volumes, not just for himself, but as a beacon of hope for countless others in the HIV community who may be facing similar health challenges. He passionately advocates for increased awareness about the need for organ donations and the potential for more individuals to receive the care they so desperately need. “The more organs that become available, the better the odds of finding the right match and living a long life,” he remarked.
NYU Langone Health continues to set a high standard in patient outcomes, demonstrating the power of innovation and teamwork in healthcare. Consistently recognized as one of the best health systems in the United States, NYU Langone excels in patient care across its numerous facilities, employing a vast network dedicated to research and medical advancements.
This historic transplant not only paves the way for future procedures involving HIV-positive donors and recipients but also raises critical dialogue about the challenges faced by individuals with HIV. As society embraces more inclusive healthcare practices, the success of this transplant may serve as a catalyst for broader discussions on organ transplant policies and the need for equitable healthcare for all individuals, regardless of their HIV status.
Topics Health）
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