Towana Looney, a 53-year-old woman from Alabama, became the longest-living recipient of a genetically modified pig kidney, surviving 130 days post-transplant before the organ was removed due to signs of rejection. The transplant, performed on November 25, 2024, at NYU Langone Health, was a significant milestone in xenotransplantation—the practice of transplanting animal organs into humans.
Looney had been on dialysis since 2016 and was ineligible for a human kidney transplant due to immune sensitivity. The pig kidney, engineered with 10 genetic modifications to reduce rejection risk, initially functioned well, freeing her from dialysis. However, in early April 2025, her immune system began to reject the organ, leading to its removal on April 4. Doctors opted for removal over increasing immunosuppressive drugs to avoid further complications.
Despite the setback, Looney's case provided valuable insights into managing immune responses in xenotransplantation. She expressed gratitude for contributing to research that could benefit others with kidney disease. Looney has since returned home to Gadsden, Alabama, and resumed dialysis.
