Digestly

Dec 18, 2024

Woman receives kidney transplant grown from pig

ABC News - Woman receives kidney transplant grown from pig

Toana Looney, an Alabama woman, became the fifth person globally to receive a genetically modified pig kidney. This groundbreaking procedure offers hope for those needing organ transplants, especially given the severe shortage of human organs. Looney, who previously donated a kidney to her mother, faced years of dialysis and a long wait for a human kidney due to her high antibody levels, which made finding a match difficult. The genetically modified pig kidney, designed to inhibit immune rejection, has been functioning well, marking a significant advancement in xenotransplantation. While previous recipients of pig organs did not survive beyond three months, Looney's successful recovery is promising. The next step involves FDA approval for human clinical trials, potentially expanding the availability of such procedures.

Key Points:

  • Toana Looney received a genetically modified pig kidney, becoming the fifth person to do so.
  • The procedure offers hope for addressing the organ shortage crisis.
  • Genetic modifications prevent immediate immune rejection of pig organs.
  • Looney's successful recovery contrasts with previous recipients who did not survive long.
  • FDA approval for clinical trials is the next step for wider application.
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