Pig Kidney Transplant Removed After 4 Months: A Setback in Xenotransplantation Progress
In a significant development in the field of xenotransplantation, a genetically modified pig kidney transplanted into Towana Looney, a 53-year-old woman from Alabama, was removed after 130 days due to signs of organ rejection .
Background of the Transplant
Looney, who had been on dialysis since 2016 and was ineligible for a human kidney transplant due to immune sensitivity, received the pig kidney at NYU Langone Health on November 25, 2024 . The transplant was part of ongoing efforts to address the critical shortage of human organs through xenotransplantation—the transplantation of organs from one species to another .
Initial Success and Subsequent Complications
Initially, the pig kidney functioned well, marking a milestone as Looney became the longest-living recipient of a gene-edited pig organ . However, in early April, her immune system began to reject the organ, leading to its removal on April 4, 2025 . Doctors determined that removing the kidney was safer than increasing immune-suppressing drugs.
Implications for Xenotransplantation
Despite the setback, Looney's case provided valuable insights into xenotransplantation, particularly in managing immune responses. Her experience contributes to the broader understanding of how genetically modified pig organs interact with the human immune system. This knowledge is crucial as scientists continue to refine the process, aiming to make xenotransplantation a viable solution to the organ shortage crisis.
Current Status and Future Outlook
Looney is now back on dialysis in her hometown of Gadsden, Alabama, and has expressed gratitude for contributing to this pioneering research . Her case underscores both the potential and the challenges of xenotransplantation, highlighting the need for continued research and clinical trials to improve outcomes for future patients.
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