(VitalNews.org) – In what could be defined as a Christmas miracle, an Alabama woman left the hospital on her own after receiving a gene-edited transplant.
Watch the video down below.
53-year-old Towana Looney made history as the recipient of a gene-edited pig kidney transplant at NYU Langone Health.
This marked the seventh pig organ transplant performed by the hospital’s surgeons, putting the United States at the forefront of xenotransplantation research.
Looney’s journey to this pioneering procedure began when she selflessly donated a kidney to her mother in 1999.
Tragically, her remaining kidney failed due to pregnancy complications, forcing her to depend on dialysis since December 2016.
As high levels of harmful antibodies made it difficult to find a compatible human kidney, Looney opted to join a clinical trial for pig kidney transplants.
The surgery, which took place last month and lasted seven hours, involved a pig kidney that underwent 10 genetic modifications to improve compatibility and prevent rejection.
“I’m overjoyed, I’m blessed to have received this gift, this second chance at life,” Looney said.
The success of this transplant could pave the way for similar procedures involving hearts and livers, potentially revolutionizing the field of organ transplantation.
With over 100,000 Americans currently awaiting transplants, including 90,000 in need of kidneys, this breakthrough offers hope to those suffering from chronic organ failure.
Pigs are considered ideal organ donors due to their rapid growth and large litter, making them a practical and ethical choice for addressing the organ shortage crisis.
“We have a great shortage of body organs, And even if we get people to donate, we’re still going to have a big shortage … so we’ve got to do something,” explained Dr. Marc Siegel.
Unlike previous recipients of pig organs who did not survive long-term post-transplant, Looney’s better physical condition gives doctors hope for her recovery.
She was discharged earlier this month and is being closely monitored with wearable technology and a new drug regimen.
This medical milestone highlighted the potential impact on healthcare costs and accessibility.
Xenotransplantation could potentially reduce the financial burden on patients and the healthcare system, making organ transplants more accessible to those in need.
An Alabama woman received a pig kidney transplant last month after eight years on dialysis. https://t.co/5M9Yha3cqF pic.twitter.com/qquPqPm2CW
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