An Alabama woman walks out of the hospital days after receiving a groundbreaking pig kidney transplant, marking a potential turning point in addressing the organ shortage crisis.
At a Glance
- Towana Looney, 53, received a gene-edited pig kidney transplant at NYU Langone Health
- This marks the seventh pig organ transplant performed by the hospital’s surgeons
- Looney is currently the only living person with an animal organ transplant
- The surgery aims to address the severe organ shortage crisis in the U.S.
- Success could lead to similar procedures for hearts and livers
A Second Chance at Life
In a remarkable display of medical innovation, Towana Looney, a 53-year-old woman from Alabama, has become the recipient of a gene-edited pig kidney transplant at NYU Langone Health. This groundbreaking procedure, the seventh of its kind performed by the hospital’s surgeons, represents a significant leap forward in the field of xenotransplantation and offers hope for thousands awaiting organ donations.
Looney’s journey to this pioneering surgery began years ago when she donated a kidney to her mother in 1999. Tragically, her remaining kidney failed due to pregnancy complications, leaving her dependent on dialysis since December 2016. With high levels of harmful antibodies making a compatible human kidney difficult to find, Looney courageously opted to join a clinical trial for pig kidney transplants.
Alabama woman doing well after gene-edited pig kidney transplant: "It's like a new beginning" https://t.co/e6xH7yO2xA
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) December 17, 2024
Pushing the Boundaries of Medical Science
The pig kidney transplanted into Looney underwent 10 genetic modifications to improve compatibility and prevent rejection. This level of genetic engineering showcases the cutting-edge advancements in medical science aimed at overcoming the longstanding barriers to xenotransplantation. The procedure, which took place on November 25 and lasted seven hours, was led by Dr. Robert Montgomery at the NYU Langone Transplant Institute.
“I’m overjoyed, I’m blessed to have received this gift, this second chance at life,” Looney said.
Looney’s case is particularly significant as she was not terminally ill before the transplant, providing valuable insights for future procedures. This approach contrasts with previous recipients of pig organs, such as Rick Slayman and Lisa Pisano, who unfortunately did not survive long-term post-transplant. The success of Looney’s procedure offers renewed hope and direction for the field of xenotransplantation.
Addressing the Organ Shortage Crisis
The implications of this successful transplant extend far beyond a single patient. With over 100,000 people awaiting transplants in the U.S., including 90,000 in need of kidneys, the potential of xenotransplantation to address this critical shortage cannot be overstated. Pigs are considered ideal organ donors due to their rapid growth, large litters, and existing role in the human food supply.
“We have a great shortage of body organs, and even if we get people to donate, we’re still going to have a big shortage. So we’ve got to do something,” remarked Dr. Mark Seigel.
Dr. Siegel’s statement underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions. The success of Looney’s transplant could pave the way for similar procedures involving hearts and livers, potentially revolutionizing the field of organ transplantation and saving countless lives.
A Promising Future
As Looney recovers, she is being closely monitored with wearable technology and a novel drug regimen. Her successful discharge on December 6 and ability to walk out of the hospital just days after the procedure are encouraging signs. The transplant team noted that the pig kidney functioned like a human donor kidney, a crucial observation for the future of xenotransplantation.
Looking ahead, future clinical trials for gene-edited pig kidneys are anticipated, with potential FDA expanded access or compassionate use programs on the horizon. Looney’s case, marked by her better physical condition compared to previous recipients, gives doctors hope for her long-term recovery and the broader application of this groundbreaking technique.
