Alabama's New Kidney: A Piggy Promise

On November 25, 2024, Towana Looney of Alabama became the fifth American to receive a gene-edited pig kidney at NYU Langone Health, ending her eight-year dialysis marathon. After four previous recipients faced severe complications, Looney's successful recovery is a beacon of hope for xenotransplantation. With over 100,000 Americans on transplant lists, this breakthrough could alleviate the organ shortage crisis. Researchers are cautiously optimistic, navigating challenges like immune rejection and virus transmission—all in the name of saving lives with a bit of swine ingenuity!