Xenotransplantation: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy

摘要

This report examined the emerging scientific and medical feasibility ofxenotransplantation (transplantation of cells tissues, and whole organs from one species to another) and explored the ethical and public policy issues applicable to the possibility of renewed clinical trials of xenotransplantation. This was a self initiated study that picked up interest of the various public health agencies as they began to confront the necessity of establishing a conceptual basis for regulation in this area and protecting against the introduction and spread of infectious agents from one species to the other. While the research community is primarily affected at the moment, the process of conducting the study assisted in the thinking behind a recently released draft PHS guideline in this arena. Follow up on the evolution of the science base, the research and clinical trials experience and the societal acceptance of xenotransplantation is planned in two years.