On a research farm in Virginia, biotech company Revivicor is leading a revolution in xenotransplantation—the use of animal organs in humans—to combat the U.S.’s chronic organ shortage. David Ayares, the company’s CEO, oversees the breeding of genetically modified pigs designed to provide organs suitable for human transplant.
The most recent breakthrough occurred on November 25, when Towana Looney, a 53-year-old Alabama resident, received a pig kidney at NYU Langone. Looney, who had been on dialysis since 2016, faced challenges finding a donor due to high antibody levels that made rejection likely. Three weeks after the operation, she described the transplant as “a blessing.” Looney’s case marks a significant milestone as she becomes the only living recipient of a gene-edited pig organ.
Revivicor has spent decades refining its pigs, which now carry up to 10 genetic modifications. These include six human DNA sequences to enhance biological compatibility, significantly reducing the risk of organ rejection. The company’s parent organization, United Therapeutics (UT), is scaling up efforts, with plans for clinical trials starting in 2025 and full-scale organ production by 2029.
The development has drawn both praise and ethical scrutiny. French sociologist Catherine Rene questions the treatment of pigs as mere vessels for human benefit. Ayares counters that this use of pig organs has a noble purpose, comparing it to the billions of pigs used for food annually.
Advancements in xenotransplantation have been promising but remain experimental. Earlier trials, conducted on brain-dead patients, demonstrated that the genetically modified organs were not immediately rejected. Despite some patients dying within weeks, these results offered hope for further development.
Revivicor and other biotech firms like eGenesis are pushing the boundaries of this field, with rigorous safety protocols in place for the animals involved. UT is investing billions to expand facilities and improve production capacity. The company estimates that pig kidneys may eventually cost around $1 million each, comparable to a decade of dialysis costs in the U.S. While this could limit accessibility due to the lack of universal healthcare, insurance may help alleviate the financial burden for patients.
For Looney, whose recovery is being closely monitored, this groundbreaking procedure represents a lifeline. Robert Montgomery, the surgeon who led her operation, views her case as a precursor to clinical trials that could make xenotransplantation a sustainable solution for thousands of patients in need.
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