Empire State Review Team 
Breakthrough in Xenotransplantation: Alabama Woman’s Journey with a Pig Kidney
In a notable case in the field of organ transplantation, an Alabama woman, Towana Looney, has become a pioneer in xenotransplantation by living with a gene-edited pig kidney for 130 days. This extraordinary milestone ended recently when her body began to reject the organ, leading to its removal.
Details of the Procedure
Towana Looney, a 53-year-old resident of Gadsden, Alabama, underwent the transplant on November 25, 2023, at NYU Langone Health in New York City. After undergoing surgery to remove the pig kidney on April 4, 2025, Looney expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this groundbreaking research.
The Experience and Outcomes
Despite returning to dialysis following the surgery, Looney emphasized the value of her experience, stating, “Though the outcome is not what anyone wanted, I know a lot was learned from my 130 days with a pig kidney – and that this can help and inspire many others in their journey to overcoming kidney disease,” as reported by the Associated Press.
Looney has been relying on dialysis since 2016 and was reportedly at a heightened risk of rejecting a human kidney. Her record-setting duration with the pig organ has provided researchers with invaluable insights into the body’s response to genetically modified organs.
Surgical Insights and Future Implications
Surgeon Dr. Robert Montgomery, who oversaw the procedure, indicated that the decision to remove the organ was made in the best interest of Looney’s health. He stated, “We did the safe thing. She’s no worse off than she was before the xenotransplant, and she would tell you she’s better off because she had this 4½ month break from dialysis.”
The kidney’s rejection raises questions that will be investigated by her medical team. Looney had previously suffered an infection, and factors including adjustments to her immune-suppressing medication may have contributed to this response.
The Broader Context of Organ Shortages
The situation highlights a pressing issue in the United States, where over 100,000 individuals are currently on the transplant waiting list, many of whom require kidneys. The demand for donated organs significantly outweighs availability, prompting biotech firms to explore genetically modifying pigs to create human-compatible organs.
Conclusion
Although Looney’s journey with the pig kidney concluded earlier than anticipated, her experience marks a significant step forward in the field of transplantation. It not only sheds light on the challenges of xenotransplantation but also reinforces the urgent need for solutions to address organ shortages.
For more information, refer to the original article from FOX News.
