The First Woman To Get A New Kind Of Kidney Transplant
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Who was the first person to receive a genetically modified pig kidney transplant?
Towana Looney, a 53-year-old grandmother from Gadsden, Alabama, became the first living person to receive a kidney from a genetically modified pig.
Why did Towana Looney need a kidney transplant?
Towana developed chronic high blood pressure during her pregnancy, which caused her remaining kidney to fail in 2016. Since then, she has been on dialysis for four hours a day, three days a week.
What genetic modifications were made to the pig kidney for the transplant?
The pig kidney underwent 10 genetic modifications to prevent rejection by the human immune system, avoid complications like blood clots, and ensure the organs don't grow too large.
Why was the FDA involved in this transplant?
The FDA made an exception to its usual clinical study requirements, allowing Towana Looney to receive the genetically modified pig kidney through a compassionate use case since she had no other options and her immune system would reject a human kidney.
How many people are on the waiting list for organ transplants in the U.S.?
More than 100,000 people are on the waiting list for transplants in the U.S., with about 17 people dying every day without receiving one due to a shortage of human organs.
What were the immediate results of the transplant surgery?
The surgery was a success, with the pig kidney producing urine and Towana Looney showing significant improvement in her condition, including the ability to eat, drink, and walk without limitations for the first time in years.
What are the ethical concerns surrounding pig-to-human organ transplants?
Bioethicists worry about the health of the pigs, the lack of scientific evidence supporting these surgeries, and the potential exploitation of patients who are desperate for any treatment. There are also concerns about the risk of transmitting animal viruses to humans, potentially leading to a pandemic.
How long did Towana Looney stay in the hospital after the transplant?
Towana was discharged from the hospital less than two weeks after the surgery, earlier than expected, but she later returned for a few days due to the need for an additional anti-rejection drug.
What is the long-term outlook for Towana Looney's new kidney?
The long-term outlook is uncertain, as this is an experimental procedure. While her kidney is currently working well, doctors remain cautiously optimistic but acknowledge that no one knows how long it will last.
Where were the genetically modified pigs bred for the transplant?
The pigs were bred at the Rivercore Farm in southwest Virginia, which houses around 300 genetically modified pigs in 22 buildings.
- Towana Looney received a genetically modified pig kidney.
- The procedure was performed by Revivacor, a biotech company.
- The procedure is controversial and raises ethical concerns.
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