A woman who lived with a pig kidney for 130 days: scientific experiment raises hope

A woman named Tovana Luni, living in Alabama, USA, became part of an experiment that opened a new chapter in world medicine. She lived for 130 days with a genetically modified pig kidney — noted as the longest survival with this type of transplant to date.

"Regardless of the outcome, I am grateful"
On April 4, after it was determined that Luni's body had rejected the pig kidney, the organ was removed. After that, she left the hospital and returned home.

“The result may not have been what everyone expected. But these 130 days were a great lesson for me, and this experience gives hope to other patients in the future,” Tovana Luni commented.

A new era in medicine: life with a pig organ
Tovana Luni had been on dialysis since 2016. Her body was not compatible with a human kidney — her immune system was ready to reject it. For this reason, doctors decided to implant a genetically modified pig kidney into her body for the first time.

This organ functioned from November 2023 to April 2024. Previously, in similar cases, pig organs had only lasted for 2 months.

Why pigs?
Scientists are working on adapting genetically modified pig organs for the human body. This could be a solution to the problem of organ donor shortages.

Fact:
– Over 100,000 people are on the transplant waiting list in the USA;
– Most of them are patients waiting for kidneys;
– Every year, thousands of patients pass away while waiting for their turn.

Research continues
So far, only 4 patients in the USA have received pig organs:

• 2 hearts;
  
• 2 kidneys.
  

They were in critical condition and passed away after the surgery.

Now, scientists are testing such transplants in patients with less severe conditions. For example, in January 2024, a New Hampshire resident received a pig kidney and has been feeling well so far.

Chinese scientists have also announced the successful outcome of such an experiment.

[b]The science between risk and hope]
Tovana Luni's 130-day life is writing new lines in medicine. There are still many questions and concerns, but these courageous steps in scientific research could save the lives of thousands of people in the future