Clinical trials allowing animal-to-human transplantation (xenotransplantation) are one step closer to getting the green light, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) says.
The NHMRC recently submitted a report to the ethics committee seeking advice on how to monitor and consider xenotransplantation procedures, marking a final step in a long running endeavour to get the trials approved.
NHMRC general manager, Clive Morris, told Endocrinology Update that, if allowed, the trials will assist advancements in science and technology and aid developments relating to the risks of transmission of animal viruses.
“[The trials] may also improve survival rates for patients waiting for transplants and lead to new procedures for patients,” he said.
He said the Council has considered “a range of issues”, including public safety and the risk of viral transmission, and added that the trials will not be allowed until stringent approvals have been granted.
The NHMRC will also work with Government agencies to develop appropriate surveillance and monitoring frameworks if the trials are approved.