A breakthrough surgery at NYU Langone Health has made headlines, as Towana Looney, 53, of Alabama, became one of the first individuals to receive a gene-edited pig kidney transplant. This unprecedented operation, performed on November 25, 2022, marks only the third successful case of xenotransplantation, which refers to the implantation of animal organs in human patients.
Looney's medical history is marked by personal sacrifice and health struggles. She donated one of her kidneys to her mother years ago but later faced kidney failure herself. After eight long years on dialysis and enduring significant hardships, she was left with limited options. Doctors noted the antibodies present in Looney’s bloodstream would complicate receiving a traditional kidney transplant. Hence, her case was approved under the FDA's expanded access program—a regulation allowing the use of otherwise untested therapies for patients with no viable alternatives.
Notably, the gene-edited pig kidney, altered to improve compatibility with human immune systems, provided Looney with new hope. “I feel like I’ve been granted another chance at life. I cannot wait to be able to travel again and spend more quality time with my family and grandchildren,” she expressed following the surgery.
Dr. Jayme Locke led the surgical team and expressed optimism for Looney's recovery. “This could completely change the math of end-organ failure and what it means for the likelihood of getting a transplant,” noted Dr. Robert Montgomery, another surgeon involved, emphasizing the importance of this procedure for future medical practices.
The kidneys used for Looney's transplant originated from specially bred pigs raised by Revivicor, a biotech company at the bleeding edge of xenotransplantation research. Over the past two decades, Revivicor has worked tirelessly to develop genetically modified pigs, which they hope will provide organ resources to alleviate the chronic shortage of human organs. Currently, more than 100,000 Americans are on the transplant waiting list, with thousands succumbing each year due to the lack of available organs.
Dr. Montgomery remarked, "Without the generosity and altruism of those who participated in our research up to this point, this next step...would not have been possible.” This sentiment echoes the collaborative spirit behind this medical innovation.
The successful transplant is seen as a stepping stone toward more extensive and reliable use of animal organs for human transplants. While previous trials included organ transplants from genetically modified animals, those had mostly been conducted on brain-dead individuals. Most of those patients passed away, but the important takeaway was the lack of immediate organ rejection, which provided researchers with valuable data.
Today, with Looney’s case leading the way, researchers hope to expand the scope of xenotransplantation. The intention is to conduct more comprehensive clinical studies and attain FDA approval for the eventual production of these genetically modified organs for public use.
Interestingly, the potential economic dimensions of this scientific achievement are substantial. Revivicor plans to provide genetically modified kidneys at around $1 million each—costing about the same as ten years of dialysis treatment. This pricing equation highlights the complex dynamics of sustainability and accessibility within healthcare.
Yet, challenges persist. The U.S. healthcare system, which lacks universal coverage, may pose barriers to making these life-saving organs widely available. Nevertheless, there exists optimism among researchers and healthcare practitioners. Dr. Montgomery's vision is clear: "We hope health insurance covers this cost, so the patient is not bearing the million-dollar price tag.”
Reflecting on these advances, Looney stands as living proof of the possibilities within xenotransplantation. Her case not only aims to bring hope to individuals facing dire medical circumstances but also serves as inspiration for continued research and development. “I want to give courage to those out there on dialysis—I know it’s not easy,” she said. “And it’s not the only option. There’s hope.”
