World's first HIV-to-HIV lung transplant performed in the US

A first-of-its-kind surgery in the United States has given fresh hope to people living with HIV who need life-saving organ transplants.

Doctors at NYU Langone Health have successfully performed the world's first lung transplant from an HIV-positive donor to an HIV-positive recipient, expanding the pool of organs available for patients who were previously left with limited options.

The landmark procedure was carried out on March 21, 2026, under a special research protocol approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

The surgery marks an important breakthrough for people living with HIV, who can now expect more opportunities to receive suitable donor



organs.

“This is a watershed moment for the HIV-positive community and represents real progress in creating equity in organ transplantation,” said Dr. Sapna Mehta, clinical director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute and one of the architects of the research protocol that made the surgery possible.

Although HIV-positive-to-HIV-positive transplants are currently allowed only under specific research protocols, Dr. Mehta said the achievement broadens options for patients waiting for life-saving organs.

Thanks to antiretroviral therapy (ART), most people with HIV can now lead long and healthy lives, have near-normal life expectancy and, when treatment is effective, do not transmit the virus.