GADSDEN, Ala. — Towana Looney, a 53-year-old grandmother from Gadsden, has returned to dialysis after her body rejected a genetically modified pig kidney that sustained her for 130 days. The transplant, performed at NYU Langone Health in New York on Nov. 25, 2024, marked the longest survival recorded for a recipient of a pig organ.
Looney’s groundbreaking surgery was part of experimental efforts to address the national shortage of human organs. Her pig kidney functioned normally for over four months, allowing her to live without dialysis for the first time in nearly a decade. However, complications arose when she had to reduce immunosuppressive medication due to an infection, leading to organ rejection on April 4.
Doctors hailed Looney’s contribution to xenotransplantation research as invaluable. Her case offers hope for future advancements in genetically modified pig organs as viable alternatives for patients awaiting transplants.
The success of Looney’s case has sparked interest across Alabama, particularly among those affected by kidney disease. The state is home to numerous organizations and medical centers dedicated to organ donation and transplantation research. As medical technology continues to evolve, Alabama residents like Looney are playing a crucial role in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in organ transplantation. Her participation in this pioneering study underscores the potential for breakthroughs in medical science that could benefit thousands of Alabamians awaiting organ transplants.