A pioneering medical trial involving a transplant of a pig kidney into a woman has concluded after her body began to reject the organ. Towana Looney, a resident of Gadsden, Alabama, underwent surgery at NYU Langone Health on April 4 and recently returned home.
Looney, who has been reliant on dialysis since 2016 due to an unusual predisposition towards rejecting human kidneys, had received the experimental pig kidney on November 25. The organ was removed in early April following a gradual rejection process.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to participate in this groundbreaking research, Looney stated, “I thanked her doctors for ‘the opportunity to be part of this incredible research.'”
Despite the ultimately unsuccessful outcome, the experience provided invaluable data for researchers striving towards a solution for kidney disease. “Though the outcome is not what anyone wanted, I know a lot was learned from my 130 days with a pig kidney – and that this can help and inspire many others in their journey to overcoming kidney disease,” Looney shared with The Associated Press.
According to Dr. Robert Montgomery, Looney’s surgeon, the rejection is currently under investigation. He explained that removing the organ was deemed safer than attempting further intervention.
“We did the safe thing,” Montgomery told the AP. “She’s no worse off than she was before (the xenotransplant) and she would tell you she’s better off because she had this 4½ month break from dialysis.”
Several factors contributed to the rejection, including a prior infection and a temporary reduction in Looney’s immune-suppressing medications. Furthermore, her immune system was naturally reasserting itself after the transplant procedure.
Looney’s experience mirrors that of Lisa Pisano, who also underwent removal of her gene-edited pig kidney to resume dialysis last year following a similar transplantation attempt.
The ongoing research into xenotransplantation—the use of organs from another species—is driven by the critical shortage of human organs available for transplant. Currently, over 100,000 individuals are awaiting transplants in the United States, primarily kidneys, and many tragically die before a suitable organ becomes available.
To address this dire need, several biotechnology firms are employing genetic engineering techniques to modify pig organs, making them more compatible with human recipients and reducing the likelihood of immune rejection. Looney had previously referred to herself as “superwoman,” highlighting the significance of her contribution to advancing this vital field.
Key takeaways from this research include:
- The potential for xenotransplantation offers hope in addressing the organ shortage crisis.
- While challenges remain, valuable data is being gathered through these pioneering trials.
- Immune rejection remains a significant hurdle to overcome in successful xenotransplantation.
