First HIV-Positive-to-HIV-Positive Lung Transplant Performed at NYU Langone Health
A watershed moment in transplant equity: A patient living with HIV receives a lifesaving lung transplant from an HIV-positive donor.
New York, NY – June 19, 2026 – In a groundbreaking procedure, surgeons at NYU Langone Health successfully performed the first HIV-positive-to-HIV-positive lung transplant. The surgery was conducted under a research protocol authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as part of the 2013 HIV Organ Policy Equity (HOPE) Act.
Background
Approximately 1.2 million people in the U.S. live with HIV. Due to advances in antiretroviral therapy, many achieve near-normal life expectancies and undetectable viral loads. Until now, HIV-positive patients were ineligible as organ donors, which severely limited the donor pool for HIV-positive recipients in need of transplants.
The Patient and Procedure
The recipient, Bertrand Nelson (56), has lived with HIV for 26 years. He also suffered from sarcoidosis, a condition that reactivated after a 2021 Legionnaires' disease infection, damaging both his lungs and liver.
- Nelson received a double-lung and liver transplant on March 21, 2026.
- The lung transplant was performed by Dr. Stephanie H. Chang, surgical director of lung transplantation.
- The liver transplant was performed by Dr. Karim J. Halazun, surgical director of liver transplantation.
- The research protocol was co-authored by Dr. Sapna Mehta, clinical director of NYU Langone Transplant Institute, and Dr. Mark A. Sonnick, transplant pulmonologist.
Expert Commentary
Dr. Sapna Mehta described the transplant as a "watershed moment," emphasizing the progress being made toward equity in organ transplantation.
Dr. Mark A. Sonnick noted that while HIV-positive-to-HIV-positive heart and abdominal transplants have been performed, this marks the first such procedure for lungs.
Patient's Perspective
For the first time in four years, Nelson is off supplemental oxygen. He expressed hope that his story will raise awareness for others in the HIV community who require organ transplants.
Outcome
Nelson is currently recovering well. He no longer requires supplemental oxygen and is steadily regaining his mobility.