Alabama Woman Receives Successful Pig Kidney Transplant

The gene-edited pig kidney moments after blood vessels are reattached and the organ is reperfused with Towana Looney’s blood at NYU Langone Health in New York City on Nov. 25, 2024. (Joe Carrotta/NYU

An Alabama woman recently underwent a groundbreaking pig kidney transplant that has shown promising results in the field of xenotransplantation. The 53-year-old woman, Towana Looney, had been on dialysis for eight years before the transplant, making her the fifth American to receive a gene-edited pig organ.

Following the surgery, Looney expressed her gratitude, stating that the newfound energy and functionality of the kidney were nothing short of miraculous. The successful procedure, led by Dr. Robert Montgomery of NYU Langone Health, is a crucial step towards formal studies of xenotransplantation set to commence next year.

Looney's swift recovery post-transplant has been closely monitored by medical professionals. Despite a brief readmission for medication adjustments, she is expected to return home to Alabama in three months. In the event of kidney failure, she may need to resume dialysis.

The innovative approach of using genetically modified pig organs offers hope to the thousands of individuals on the U.S. transplant list, particularly those in need of a kidney. Looney's unique case, where traditional human donors were not viable due to antibody complications, underscores the importance of exploring alternative solutions.

5th American to receive gene-edited pig organ, expressing gratitude for newfound energy.

Towana Looney undergoes groundbreaking pig kidney transplant after 8 years on dialysis.

Procedure led by Dr. Robert Montgomery of NYU Langone Health, paving way for formal studies.

Looney's recovery monitored closely, with expected return home in 3 months.

Genetically modified pig organs offer hope to those on U.S. transplant list.

FDA-approved experiment with pig kidney from Revivicor shows promising results.

Immediate functionality of pig kidney post-implantation observed through urine production.

The FDA-approved experiment, which involved a pig kidney with 10 gene alterations from Revivicor in Blacksburg, Virginia, has shown promising results. The kidney immediately exhibited functionality by producing urine post-implantation.

While the long-term success of the transplant remains to be seen, the medical team is closely monitoring Looney's progress for any signs of complications. The collaborative effort between medical professionals and research institutions highlights the potential of xenotransplantation in revolutionizing organ transplantation.

Looney's unwavering optimism and willingness to participate in this groundbreaking procedure serve as a beacon of hope for future patients in need of organ transplants. The successful outcome of her pig kidney transplant paves the way for further advancements in medical science and underscores the importance of exploring innovative solutions to address critical healthcare challenges.