United Therapeutics Completes First UKidney Transplant

United Therapeutics Corporation has achieved a significant breakthrough by completing the world’s first transplant of a UKidney, a genetically engineered pig kidney, into a living human. This marks the fourth xenotransplantation by the company, which aims to tackle organ shortages through innovative technology.

The transplant was approved under the FDA's compassionate use pathway and performed by a team of surgeons at NYU Langone Health. The recipient, Towana Looney, had been unable to find a suitable donor due to high antibody levels, making this advancement a life-changing opportunity.

The UKidney is engineered with 10 genetic edits, including six human genes to support immune compatibility and four porcine genes deactivated to prevent rejection and overgrowth. Developed by Revivicor, Inc., a United Therapeutics subsidiary, this innovation builds on decades of research into xenotransplantation.

United Therapeutics continues to push the boundaries of biotechnology with its comprehensive organ development platforms, aiming to revolutionize transplant medicine and address the critical shortage of human organs. Clinical trials for the UKidney are planned for 2025.