An unprecedented medical journey concluded for 53-year-old Towana Looney from Gadsden, Alabama, who lived with a gene-edited pig kidney for a record-setting 130 days. Following signs of her body beginning to reject the transplant, Looney underwent surgery at NYU Langone Health on April 4, 2025, to remove the kidney.

A Historic Transplant

Looney’s experience marked a significant achievement in xenotransplantation, a field aimed at addressing the organ shortage crisis. After receiving the pig kidney on November 25, 2024, she became the first person to survive more than four months with a genetically modified pig organ. During this period, she documented her experience, referring to herself as “superwoman.”

Medical Insights Gained

Despite the unfortunate outcome, Looney expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to vital scientific research. In a statement to The Associated Press, she said, “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.”

Dr. Robert Montgomery, who led the surgical team, communicated that the decision to remove the kidney was deemed safer than attempting to save it. “We did the safe thing,” he remarked, adding that Looney “is no worse off than she was before” and has benefited from a significant break from dialysis during the transplant period.

Challenges and Rejection Factors

Prior to the surgery, Looney faced challenges including a previous infection and adjustments to her immune-suppressant medication, which might have contributed to the organ’s rejection. Montgomery indicated that these factors, combined with her body’s natural immune response post-transplant, may have led to complications.

The Bigger Picture

This transplant sheds light on the critical shortage of viable human organs. Currently, over 100,000 individuals are on the U.S. transplant waiting list, with thousands losing their lives each year while awaiting suitable organs. In response, several biotechnology firms are exploring the possibility of creating organ-compatible pigs to reduce this deficit.