Alabama Woman Receives Pioneering Pig Kidney Transplant

Towana Looney, a 53-year-old woman from Alabama, has successfully undergone a groundbreaking pig kidney transplant, ending her eight-year dependency on dialysis. This experimental surgery, led by Dr. Robert Montgomery at NYU Langone Health, marks a significant advancement in xenotransplantation, as Looney is the fifth American to receive a gene-edited pig organ and is recovering well, unlike previous recipients who faced severe complications. Looney expressed her newfound vitality, stating, 'It’s like a new beginning,' and is monitored closely by doctors as she adjusts to her new kidney. The transplant is seen as a beacon of hope for over 100,000 people on the U.S. transplant list, many of whom face long waits for compatible human organs. Researchers are optimistic that genetic modifications in pigs can provide a viable alternative for human organ shortages, although challenges remain regarding FDA regulations and past adverse outcomes. Looney's experience not only highlights the potential of xenotransplantation but also underscores the ongoing need for innovative solutions in organ transplantation.