Towana Looney walks out of the hospital after receiving a groundbreaking pig kidney transplant, marking a potential revolution in organ donation.
At a Glance
- Towana Looney, 53, received a gene-edited pig kidney transplant at NYU Langone Health
- She’s currently the only living person with an animal organ transplant
- The pig kidney underwent 10 genetic modifications to improve compatibility
- This breakthrough could address the severe organ shortage crisis in the U.S.
- Looney was discharged on December 6 and is being closely monitored
A Second Chance at Life
In a groundbreaking medical procedure, Towana Looney, a 53-year-old woman from Alabama, has become the recipient of a gene-edited pig kidney transplant at New York University Langone Health. This marks the seventh such transplant performed by the hospital’s surgeons and represents a significant leap forward in the field of xenotransplantation. Looney’s case is particularly noteworthy as she is currently the only living person with an animal organ transplant, offering hope to thousands of patients awaiting organ donations.
Looney’s journey to this pioneering surgery began years ago when she donated a kidney to her mother in 1999. Unfortunately, her remaining kidney failed due to pregnancy complications, leading to a grueling eight-year stint on dialysis since December 2016. The transplant, which took place on November 25 and lasted seven hours, has given Looney a new lease on life.
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
Addressing the Organ Shortage Crisis
This breakthrough in xenotransplantation comes at a critical time when over 100,000 Americans are waiting for organ transplants, with 90,000 of those in need of kidneys. The success of Looney’s transplant could pave the way for similar procedures involving hearts and livers, potentially revolutionizing the field of organ transplantation.
The pig kidney used in Looney’s surgery underwent 10 genetic modifications to improve compatibility and prevent rejection. This sophisticated approach, developed by Revivicor, demonstrates the incredible advancements in genetic engineering that are making cross-species transplantation a reality.
A Promising Outlook
Unlike previous recipients of pig organs who did not survive long-term post-transplant, Looney’s better physical condition gives doctors hope for her recovery. Dr. Robert Montgomery, who led the surgery at the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, praised Looney’s past generosity in donating her kidney and sees her case as potentially transformative for transplantation.
“I’m overjoyed, I’m blessed to have received this gift, this second chance at life,” said Looney.
Looney’s successful discharge from the hospital on December 6, just days after the procedure, is a testament to the procedure’s initial success. She is now being closely monitored with wearable technology and a novel drug regimen to ensure the continued function of her new kidney.
