Towana Looney’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and hope—a testament to the progress of medical science and the human spirit. The 53-year-old grandmother from Gadsden, Alabama, is the first living recipient of a kidney from a genetically modified pig, marking a major milestone in the journey toward solving the organ supply crisis. Her story shines a light on the dire need for innovation in organ transplantation and the transformative potential of xenotransplantation.
Towana’s Journey to Hope
Towana’s battle with kidney failure began in 2016. Her condition stemmed from high blood pressure caused by pre-eclampsia during her second pregnancy, a complication that left her with permanent kidney damage. By 2016, her remaining kidney failed, forcing her to start dialysis—a grueling treatment regimen requiring her to spend four hours a day, three days a week hooked up to a machine to remove toxins from her blood. This exhausting routine left her physically drained and limited her ability to live a full life.
“I used to do one task, sit down and take a rest, then go do another task,” she said. “Now I multitask!”
In addition to dialysis, Towana spent nearly eight years on the waiting list for a human kidney donor. Her chances of receiving a compatible organ were slim due to unusually high levels of harmful antibodies in her blood, caused by past blood transfusions and pregnancies. These antibodies made her immune system more likely to reject a donor organ, leaving her with few options. Despite the long odds, Towana refused to give up hope.
“The chair is not the last answer,” she said, referring to the dialysis chair that had become a central part of her life.
Her resolve and curiosity led her to explore alternative solutions. When she learned about the experimental field of pig kidney transplants, known as xenotransplantation, she didn’t hesitate to volunteer. Towana’s determination and pioneering spirit caught the attention of Dr. Jayme Locke, a transplant surgeon at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Locke had been advocating for innovative approaches to help patients like Towana and began working to secure FDA approval for the groundbreaking procedure.
A Pioneering Procedure
On November 25, 2024, Towana underwent a seven-hour surgery at NYU Langone Health to receive a kidney from a genetically modified pig. The surgery was co-led by Dr. Robert Montgomery, director of the NYU Langone Transplant Institute, and Dr. Locke, who had mentored under Dr. Montgomery and collaborated with him to bring this vision to reality.
The pig kidney came from a specially bred animal by Revivicor, a subsidiary of United Therapeutics Corporation. This pig had undergone 10 genetic modifications to make its organs more compatible with human physiology. These edits included removing genes that would trigger immune rejection and adding human genes to help the organ function smoothly within Towana’s body.
“We’re going to make history today,” Towana said before the surgery, her excitement tempered with faith and confidence.
The results were almost immediate and exceeded expectations. The pig kidney began producing urine even before Towana woke up from surgery, signaling that it had integrated well with her body. Her decades-long struggle with uncontrolled high blood pressure, despite taking multiple medications, was finally under control. Most significantly, she no longer required dialysis.
“I feel wonderful,” she said after the surgery. “I feel like I’ve been given another chance at life.”
The Broader Problem: Organ Shortages
Towana’s story highlights a much larger issue: the critical shortage of donor organs. In the United States, over 100,000 people are on waiting lists for organ transplants, and more than 90,000 of those are waiting for kidneys. Yet, fewer than 30,000 kidney transplants are performed annually, leaving many to face years on dialysis or, tragically, death. On average, 17 people die every day waiting for a transplant.
Patients with high antibody levels, like Towana, face additional barriers. These antibodies can make the immune system reject a donor organ, even when one becomes available. For patients with complex conditions, xenotransplantation could offer a lifeline where traditional options fall short.
The crisis is especially dire among Black Americans, who make up 35% of dialysis patients despite representing only 13.5% of the population. This disparity is linked to higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, all of which increase the risk of kidney failure. Towana’s success serves as a beacon of hope for patients from underrepresented communities who face systemic challenges in accessing organ transplants.
The Technology Behind Xenotransplantation
Xenotransplantation—the transplantation of organs from one species to another—has emerged as a revolutionary solution to the organ shortage crisis. At the heart of this field lies advanced gene-editing technology, which allows scientists to make precise changes to the pig genome to overcome biological barriers.
Key genetic modifications include:
- Knocking out immune-triggering genes: Genes such as α-Gal and Sda, which produce sugars that trigger immune rejection in humans, are removed.
- Adding human genes: Genes for complement regulatory proteins and clotting regulators are inserted to make the organs more compatible with the human immune and circulatory systems.
- Deactivating porcine viruses: Endogenous retroviruses (PERVs) are removed to minimize the risk of cross-species viral transmission.
Dr. Montgomery explained the significance of these advancements: “The first human-to-human heart transplant only lasted for two weeks. What we do now in terms of what a heart transplant looks like is completely different than those first attempts. I’m very confident the learning process is going to be steep, but we’re going to get a better and better product as we move along.”
These modifications are tested extensively in non-human primates before human trials, ensuring safety and functionality. The pigs used for these transplants are bred in carefully controlled environments to guarantee their health and the consistency of the genetic edits.
A New Chapter for Towana
Today, Towana is recovering well and adapting to life with her new kidney. She remains under close observation at NYU Langone Health but is already experiencing significant improvements in her quality of life. Her newfound energy has allowed her to plan trips she once only dreamed of, including a visit to Disney World.
“I’ve never felt better,” she said. “It’s amazing to have my energy back and to not worry about dialysis. It’s the best Christmas gift I could ever imagine.”
Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of science. Towana’s journey is more than a personal triumph; it’s a beacon of hope for the thousands of others waiting for a second chance at life. With further advancements in xenotransplantation, the dream of solving the organ shortage crisis is becoming an attainable reality
