### Record-Breaking Pig Kidney Transplant Ends in Rejection for Alabama Woman - Towana Looney, a 53-year-old woman from Gadsden, Alabama, made headlines after living with a genetically modified pig kidney for **130 days**, the longest duration recorded for such a transplant. This groundbreaking procedure was part of ongoing research into xenotransplantation, which aims to address the shortage of human organs for transplant. Unfortunately, her body began to reject the organ, leading to its removal and a return to dialysis treatment, marking a setback in the quest for viable animal-to-human organ transplants [https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/doctors-remove-pig-kidney-alabama-woman-record-130-days-rcna201155]. ### Overview of the Transplant Procedure and Its Outcome 1. **Transplant Background**: - The pig kidney was implanted as part of a clinical trial at NYU Langone Health, aiming to explore the feasibility of using genetically modified animal organs in humans [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/11/health/pig-kidney-transplant-looney.html]. 2. **Duration of Functionality**: - Looney's kidney functioned for **130 days**, surpassing previous records for similar transplants, which is a significant milestone in xenotransplantation research [https://www.independent.ie/world-news/north-america/pig-kidney-removed-from-alabama-woman-a-record-130-days-after-she-received-transplant/a920367026.html]. 3. **Rejection and Removal**: - The organ was removed after her body began rejecting it, a common challenge in transplant medicine, particularly with xenotransplants [https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/apr/12/doctors-remove-pig-kidney-from-an-alabama-woman-after-a-record-130-days]. 4. **Current Status**: - Following the removal of the pig kidney, Looney has returned to dialysis, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by patients awaiting organ transplants [https://www.cp24.com/news/world/2025/04/11/pig-kidney-removed-from-us-transplant-patient-but-she-set-record]. ### Key Data and Findings from the Transplant - **Duration of Pig Kidney Function**: 130 days - **Patient Age**: 53 years - **Location**: Gadsden, Alabama - **Medical Facility**: NYU Langone Health - **Outcome**: Organ rejection leading to removal and return to dialysis ### Conclusion: Implications for Future Transplant Research - **Significant Milestone**: Looney's case represents a **record-setting achievement** in the field of xenotransplantation, demonstrating that genetically modified pig organs can function in humans for an extended period [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/11/health/pig-kidney-transplant-looney.html]. 1. **Research Progress**: The 130-day duration provides valuable data for future studies and may help refine techniques to improve organ acceptance in human patients. 2. **Challenges Ahead**: Despite this progress, the rejection of the organ underscores the complexities involved in xenotransplantation and the need for further research to enhance compatibility and reduce rejection rates [https://www.wjct.org/2025-04-11/pig-kidney-transplant-fails-after-patient-rejection]. 3. **Future Directions**: Continued exploration in this area is crucial as it holds the potential to alleviate the organ shortage crisis faced by many patients in need of transplants [https://www.cp24.com/news/world/2025/04/11/pig-kidney-removed-from-us-transplant-patient-but-she-set-record].