An Alabama woman, Towana Looney, has become the longest living recipient of a pig organ transplant, thriving with her new kidney for 61 days as of January 25, 2025. Her successful recovery marks a significant milestone in the field of xenotransplantation.
- Towana Looney is the longest living pig organ recipient.
- Her kidney transplant has lasted 61 days.
- Doctors report her kidney function is normal.
- Pig organ transplants address human organ shortages.
- Looney advocates for others considering transplants.
- Research on xenotransplantation trials expected soon.
Towana Looney’s journey began after she faced severe health challenges following complications from pregnancy that led to high blood pressure and kidney failure. After eight years on dialysis and being deemed unlikely to receive a human kidney due to high antibody levels, she opted for an experimental pig organ transplant at NYU Langone Health.
Looney’s case stands out among only four other Americans who have undergone similar procedures involving gene-edited pig organs. Previously, none had survived beyond two months post-transplant. Key points include:
- Looney was discharged just 11 days after surgery on November 25, 2024.
- Dr. Robert Montgomery reported her kidney function as “absolutely normal.”
- The FDA allows these transplants under compassionate use for patients with no other options.
Her recovery has been closely monitored through regular blood tests and checkups. Doctors are optimistic about her progress and believe she may return home to Gadsden, Alabama, within a month. The success of Looney’s transplant could provide valuable insights for future xenotransplantation studies as researchers aim to address the critical shortage of human organs available for transplantation.
Towana Looney’s experience not only highlights advancements in medical science but also emphasizes the importance of continued research into alternative solutions for those awaiting organ transplants. As scientists prepare for formal studies on xenotransplantation later this year, Looney serves as an ambassador for others considering similar paths.
