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In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Towana Looney of Gadsden, Alabama, has become the longest-living recipient of a pig organ transplant. After receiving a genetically modified pig kidney on November 25, Looney, 53, is thriving two months post-surgery, offering hope for the future of xenotransplantation.
Looney’s recovery, under the care of Dr. Robert Montgomery and his team at NYU Langone Health, has been remarkable. “Her kidney function is absolutely normal,” Montgomery said, expressing optimism about the long-term potential of the procedure. Looney, now vibrant and full of energy, described her experience as “a new take on life,” humorously calling herself “superwoman.”
This medical milestone marks a significant step in the quest to alleviate the global shortage of human organs. Over 100,000 people in the U.S. are currently on transplant waiting lists, with many dying each year due to the scarcity. Pig organs, genetically altered to reduce rejection risks, may offer a promising solution.
Looney’s case is particularly notable because she had a rare condition making her incompatible with traditional human organ transplants. Having donated a kidney to her mother in 1999, Looney later suffered kidney failure herself and spent eight years on dialysis before opting for the experimental procedure.
This surgery, one of a handful performed under the FDA’s “compassionate use” guidelines, builds on earlier research, including a 2023 experiment where a pig kidney functioned for 61 days in a deceased donor. Looney’s case has provided vital insights, with doctors successfully managing early signs of organ rejection.
As the field advances, institutions like NYU Langone and other researchers are preparing for formal clinical trials of xenotransplantation. Companies like United Therapeutics and eGenesis are at the forefront, striving to make animal-to-human transplants a viable option.
Despite the uncertainties, Looney is embracing her role as a trailblazer. She’s connecting with other transplant candidates, offering them hope and guidance. “I love helping people,” she said. “I want to be an educational piece for scientists and others.”
While the future of her transplant remains uncertain, Looney’s case has already inspired both the medical community and transplant patients worldwide.
Disclaimer:
This article highlights experimental medical procedures that are not yet widely available or FDA-approved for general use. Xenotransplantation involves inherent risks and uncertainties. Patients considering such procedures should consult their healthcare provider and make decisions based on medical advice, personal health conditions, and ethical considerations.
