Towana Looney, a 53-year-old woman from Alabama, has become the third person to receive a kidney transplant from a gene-edited pig.

The successful surgery, which was performed at NYU Langone Health, offers renewed hope for individuals facing organ failure.

Looney, who had been on the kidney transplant waiting list for eight years, received the pig kidney in a seven-hour operation on November 25th. This groundbreaking procedure, conducted under the FDA's expanded access program, provides a potential solution for the critical organ shortage.

The pig kidney was developed by Revivicor, a United Therapeutics company, through a complex gene-editing process. The company's innovative approach involves modifying pig cells to prevent rejection and ensure compatibility with the human recipient.

While previous recipients of gene-edited pig organs did not survive long-term, doctors are optimistic about Looney's prognosis. Her overall health prior to the transplant was better than previous recipients, and she is currently recovering well.

This successful transplant marks a significant milestone in the field of xenotransplantation, offering a potential solution for the critical organ shortage. Researchers are hopeful that this breakthrough will pave the way for future clinical trials and ultimately expand access to life-saving organ transplants for individuals in need. (ILKHA)