An Alabama woman has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the longest living person with a functioning pig organ. Towana Looney, 53, received a pig kidney transplant and has surpassed the 61-day mark with the organ still functioning well. This accomplishment marks a breakthrough in the field of organ transplantation.
Only four other Americans have undergone experimental transplants of gene-edited pig organs, with Looney being the sole survivor past two months. Dr. Robert Montgomery, who led Looney's transplant, expressed optimism about the success of the procedure, highlighting that her kidney function is normal.
Scientists are genetically modifying pigs to make their organs more compatible with humans due to the severe shortage of human organs available for transplants. With over 100,000 people on the U.S. transplant list, the need for viable organs is critical, especially for kidney transplants.
The Food and Drug Administration permits pig organ transplants in special cases where other options have been exhausted. Dr. Tatsuo Kawai, a pioneer in pig organ transplants, emphasized the importance of Looney's progress in advancing medical knowledge for future attempts.
Looney's journey to receiving a pig kidney began after facing complications from a previous kidney donation to her mother. Despite being highly sensitized with antibodies that could reject a human kidney, she opted for the experimental pig organ transplant.
Since the surgery, Looney's recovery has been closely monitored, with doctors successfully addressing early signs of rejection. While the longevity of the pig kidney remains uncertain, the medical team is committed to providing ongoing care and support to Looney.
This groundbreaking case serves as a beacon of hope for individuals in need of organ transplants and underscores the potential of pig organs as a viable solution to address the organ shortage crisis.
