Alabama woman suffers rejection after record-setting pig kidney transplant
- Towana Looney, 53, lived with a genetically modified pig kidney for 130 days.
- Her body rejected the kidney due to complications related to an infection and necessary medication adjustments.
- Despite the outcome, her experience has contributed to valuable research in xenotransplantation.
In the United States, a significant development took place in xenotransplantation, where genetically modified pig organs are used as substitutes for human organs. Towana Looney, a 53-year-old woman from Gadsden, Alabama, underwent a groundbreaking pig kidney transplant on November 25, 2024. The procedure, carried out by surgeons at NYU Langone Health in New York City, marked a historic moment as it represented the longest time a human has lived with a pig kidney transplant, totaling an impressive 130 days without the need for dialysis. During this time, Looney's health significantly improved, allowing her to experience life free from the burdens of dialysis for the first time in nearly a decade. Her unique situation stemmed from her prior requirement of dialysis since 2016 due to the inability to receive a conventional human kidney transplant, which was a result of her body being primed to reject human organs. As a result, she actively sought out participating in pioneering research on pig kidney transplants, seeing herself as part of an essential clinical investigation. However, on April 4, 2025, doctors made the difficult decision to remove Looney's pig kidney after it was determined her body began rejecting the organ. This rejection was believed to be triggered by a combination of factors, including a recent infection that necessitated a reduction in her anti-rejection medication. Following the surgery, Looney successfully transitioned back onto dialysis, reflecting her resilience throughout the journey. Dr. Robert Montgomery, who performed Looney's surgery, expressed the broader implications of her case. He emphasized that despite the disappointing outcome, valuable lessons were gleaned regarding the administration of immune-suppressing drugs in the context of xenotransplantation. With many patients awaiting organ transplants, the research surrounding genetically engineered pig organs holds promise for addressing the severe shortage of available organs. Acknowledging the challenge, the scientific community remains hopeful that these developments will contribute to a viable alternative for patients in desperate need of organ transplants.