Increasing the donor supply from the United Kingdom's Asian population: the need for further research

Abstract

The overall shortage of transplant donors internationally is well documented.1 The recent revival of the debate surrounding the use of animal organs for transplantation (xenotransplantation) sought to provide a solution to this life-threatening dilemma. However, the outcome of discussions at various ethics committees has proved to be inconclusive. The Nuffield Council of Bioethics and the Department of Health’s Advisory Group both concluded that it is ethical to use pigs as donors. However, human trials will not be allowed to go ahead until there has been further research into aspects of physiology and immunology and the risk of infection.2 This cautious and sensible approach is understandable in the light of the recent CJD cases.