Pig Kidney Transplant Offers New Hope for Thousands Awaiting Organs

Pig Kidney Offers Hope for Thousands Awaiting Transplants

Towana Looney, an Alabama woman, has become the longest-living recipient of a pig kidney transplant. 61 days after the surgery, she is healthy and thriving.

Looney's case is a major milestone in the quest to make animal-to-human transplants a reality. She is the fifth American to receive a gene-edited pig organ.

"If you saw her on the street, you wouldn't know she has a pig kidney," said Dr. Robert Montgomery, who led the transplant.

Scientists are using pig organs to address the severe shortage of human organs. Over 100,000 people in the U.S. are on the transplant list, most needing a kidney. Thousands die while waiting.

Looney's experience is invaluable. She is helping others who are considering pig kidney transplants.

"I love talking to people, I love helping people," she said. "I want to be an educational piece for scientists to help others."

There's no way to predict how long Looney's new kidney will work, but doctors are optimistic.

"We're quite optimistic that this is going to continue to work and work well for a significant period of time," Montgomery said.