Alabama Woman Receives Successful Pig Kidney Transplant

Towana Looney, a 53-year-old woman from Alabama, has made history as the fifth American to receive a successful pig kidney transplant, freeing her from eight years of dialysis. Looney's kidney failure stemmed from high blood pressure complications after she donated a kidney to her mother in 1999, making it nearly impossible for her to find a compatible human donor due to her sensitized immune system. The transplant, performed at NYU Langone Health, utilized a gene-edited pig kidney, marking a significant step toward addressing the organ supply crisis. Following the procedure, Looney reported feeling rejuvenated and full of energy, describing it as a 'new beginning.' This case is seen as a precursor for future clinical trials on xenotransplantation, as researchers aim to establish the viability of animal organs for human use. Doctors are optimistic about her recovery and the potential impact of this successful transplant on the field of organ transplantation.