Historic Milestone Reached With First Successful Pig Kidney Transplant
New York – Towana Looney, 53, has achieved remarkable progress after receiving the world's first genetically modified pig kidney, marking her as the longest-living patient to receive this groundbreaking transplant.
Looney underwent the surgery on November 25, 2024, at NYU Langone Health, where she was fitted with the pig organ part of experimental xenotransplantation procedures. She has since outpaced her cancer-stricken relatives on long walks around New York City, stating, "I’m superwoman," showcasing the transformative impact of her new kidney.
Dr. Robert Montgomery, who led Looney's transplant, attests to her kidney function as "absolutely normal." He describes the significance of her recovery, saying, "If you passed Towana on the street, you wouldn't have any idea she's the only person walking around with a functioning pig kidney. That's a big deal." For Looney, feeling healthy after years of dialysis, it’s as if she’s been granted "a second chance at life."
Before her transplant, Looney faced severe health challenges, including eight years on dialysis and high levels of antibodies preventing her from receiving traditional human organ transplants. The experimental procedure was her last hope, and doctors are optimistic about the future of pig organ transplants, which aim to address the pressing shortage of human transplantable organs.
With over 100,000 people currently on the U.S. transplant list and thousands of deaths attributed to the lack of available organs, Looney's case becomes increasingly significant. "We’re quite optimistic this is going to continue to work well for...a significant period of time," said Montgomery. The FDA has allowed this procedure under compassionate use, permitting desperate patients like Looney to receive experimental treatments.
Looney's recovery has not been without its hurdles. Three weeks post-surgery, doctors noticed subtle signs of rejection but were able to successfully intervene, leading to stable kidney function since then. The progress observed is especially notable as previous recipients of pig organs did not survive beyond two months. Now, Looney relishes long walks and has reclaimed her appetite, joking, "Oh God, I want to eat every hour."
Her progress stands out particularly against the backdrop of previous cases highlighted by Dr. Tatsuo Kawai, who also leads studies on xenotransplantation. He explained how Looney's health and prior experiences with organ donation will contribute valuable insights for future transplant recipients. “We have to learn from each other,” Kawai said, emphasizing the collaborative nature of this research.
Reflecting on her kidney transplant and recovery, Looney has taken on the role of ambassador, offering support to those considering similar dire decisions. "I love talking to people, I love helping people," she shared, advising those with kidney failure to take solace from faith and personal introspection during trying times.
Despite the success seen with Looney, the future of pig organ transplants faces scrutiny. Ethical questions arise over the potential for animal viruses to transfer to human recipients, as well as the morality behind breeding pigs for organ harvesting. Bioethicists argue for the need for rigorous, large-scale studies on the viability of gene-edited pig organs as sustainable solutions to the organ shortage crisis.
Approved clinical trials for pig organ transplants may commence this year, following the FDA’s consideration of trials requested by Revivicor, the biotech company supplying organs, including Looney's kidney. Meanwhile, rival company eGenesis is also exploring organ transplants from modified pigs, underscoring the competitive edge of this innovative medical frontier.
Through all her challenges, Looney remains optimistic about her future. She anticipates returning to her family and eventually resuming her job as a cashier. This new chapter, marked by renewed energy and joy, brings her immense gratitude. "I'm just thankful to be alive. That's the biggest gift of all," she expressed, illustrating the transformative impact of her groundbreaking surgery.
Transitioning from despair to hope, Looney embodies the potential for animal organ transplants to drastically change lives. The milestone she has reached not only shines as hope for her own future but signals progress for patients worldwide awaiting organ donations. With endeavors continuing for safe, efficient pig organ use, the medical community is determined to redefine the boundaries of transplantation—one kidney at a time.