Xenotransplantation—reflections on the bioethics

Abstract

Background: Similar to most countries in the world, China has a severe shortage of human organs, and this is one of the main issues restricting the application of organ transplantation technology. In 2019 alone, only 19,454 (23.90%) of the 81,410 people waiting were able to receive organ transplants. There is an increasing focus from both the medical profession and society on how to fill the gap between supply and demand. Methods: Xenotransplantation using animal organs is being considered as one option to make up for the shortage of human organs for transplantation. For some years now, the international medical community has been examining the possibility of using animal organs for human transplant. However, the research has faced two important types of challenges: scientific and ethical issues. Results: In January 2021, the first clinical trial of transgenic pig heart transplantation into a human recipient was completed by the Medical Center of the University of Maryland in the United States. This has stimulated enthusiasm and interest in xenotransplantation. Conclusions: The trend towards xenotransplantation has highlighted global problems such as the severe shortage of organ transplant donors and the high cost of organ transplantation. China needs to consider how to cope with the scientific, public health, and social ethics challenges of xenotransplantation clinical trials.