"How a Gene-Edited Pig Kidney Transformed an Alabama Woman’s Life"

 

Alabama Woman Recovers After Groundbreaking Pig Kidney 

“To see hope restored to her and her family is extraordinary,” said Dr. Jayme Locke, Looney’s original surgeon and advocate, who obtained FDA approval for the experimental transplant conducted on November 25.

A Long Road to Transplantation

Over 100,000 Americans are on the national transplant waiting list, most of whom need a kidney. Thousands die waiting and many more are unable to qualify for a transplant due to health complications. In a bid to increase organ availability, scientists have turned to genetically altered pigs, modifying their organs to make them more compatible with human biology.

Looney’s journey to her pig kidney transplant began decades ago when she donated a kidney to her mother in 1999. Years later, complications from pregnancy-induced high blood pressure damaged her remaining kidney, ultimately leading to kidney failure. Although it is exceedingly rare for living donors to develop kidney failure, such individuals are given extra priority on transplant waiting lists.

Unfortunately, Looney’s immune system had developed antibodies that made her likely to reject any human kidney. Desperate for a solution, she learned of pig kidney research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and expressed interest in participating. Dr. Locke, then a UAB transplant surgeon, filed an emergency application with the FDA in April 2023 under special rules for patients with no other options.

Challenges and Breakthroughs in Pig Organ Transplants

The FDA initially prioritized other patients with more critical conditions for the world’s first gene-edited pig kidney transplants. These procedures, conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital and NYU, showed promise but also highlighted challenges. One patient recovered enough to return home for a month before succumbing to cardiac arrest unrelated to the pig kidney. Another patient’s severe heart complications led to the removal of the pig kidney, and she later passed away.

Despite these outcomes, Looney remained undeterred. While dialysis was taking a toll on her health, she had avoided complications like heart disease, making her a strong candidate for the procedure. The FDA eventually approved her case, and Dr. Locke collaborated with Dr. Montgomery at NYU to perform the surgery.

Looney received her kidney from a pig genetically modified by Revivicor, a Virginia-based company. The pig’s organ featured 10 gene alterations designed to make it function more effectively in the human body. Moments after Dr. Montgomery transplanted the kidney, it turned a healthy pink and began producing urine, a promising sign of success.

Monitoring and Recovery

Since her discharge, Looney has been closely monitored, wearing devices to track her blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs. She undergoes daily checkups and detailed bloodwork, as doctors compare her results to previous research in animals and human recipients. “A lot of what we're seeing, we're seeing for the first time,” Dr. Montgomery noted.

Looney’s determination and optimism have inspired her medical team. During a recent visit, she embraced Dr. Locke, thanking her longtime doctor for unwavering support. “Thank you for not giving up on me,” Looney said. Dr. Locke’s reply was simple: “Never.”

A Hopeful Future

Looney’s case underscores the potential of xenotransplantation to address the growing organ shortage crisis. Scientists are hopeful that her success will pave the way for future advancements and better outcomes for patients awaiting transplants. Even if her new kidney ultimately fails, Looney’s experience will provide invaluable data for researchers aiming to refine this groundbreaking technology.

As Looney continues her recovery, she remains a symbol of hope for thousands of patients in need. “You don’t know if it’s going to work or not until you try,” she said, embodying the courage that drives innovation in modern medicine.