Towana Looney, an Alabama woman, lived with a pig kidney for a record 130 days before her body began rejecting it, causing it to be removed and her to return to dialysis. Despite the disappointment, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the groundbreaking research into animal-to-human transplants. Only a few Americans had previously received experimental xenotransplants of gene-edited pig organs, but Looney lived with hers longer than anyone before her. Researchers are genetically altering pigs to make their organs more humanlike to address the shortage of transplantable human organs, with a rigorous study of pig kidney transplants set to begin this summer. Although Looney’s experience ended in rejection of the pig kidney, her surgeon believes the lessons learned will benefit future patients. Rejection is a common threat after all transplants, and finding the right balance of immune-suppressing drugs is crucial for preserving the new organ. Looney’s experience offers valuable insights for the upcoming clinical trial of pig kidney transplants, with researchers emphasizing the importance of gradual progress in making xenotransplantation successful. Dr. Robert Montgomery, Looney’s surgeon, believes that these incremental steps will ultimately lead to advancements in the field of animal-to-human transplants.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
