The Advisory Group on the Ethics of Xenotransplantation.

Great Britain. Advisory Group on the Ethics of Xenotransplantation

Date:: 1996

Credit: The Advisory Group on the Ethics of Xenotransplantation. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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$ATARI ik aati) Me Aa ge TS SASS Ti vat “INEORM ATION § SER RVIGET 15 NOV: 1996 ken Wellcoine Centre for Me edicalS Scieitee’ PIS FL 5} Sor ET Pana i Ce peg Eileen House 80-94 Newington Causeway London SEI 6EF Telephone 0171 972 2000 | \2\ Direct line 0171 972 To all interested organisations or individuals 25 January 1996 Dear Consultee THE ADVISORY GROUP ON THE ETHICS OF XENOTRANSPLANTATION The Secretary of State for Health has set up an Advisory Group to look at the ethical issues surrounding transplantation of animals organs to humans. The membership of the Group is set out at Annex A. The terms of reference of the group are: In the light of recent and potential developments in xenotransplantation, to review the acceptability of and ethical framework within which xenotransplantation may be undertaken and to make recommendations. The Group will report to the Secretary of State by summer 1996. Xenotransplantation is the transplantation of an organ from one species to another. The Advisory Group is looking at the ethical implications of the scientific developments which contemplate the transplantation of organs from animals to humans, in place of human organs. Their interest includes the work being done to supply organs from genetically modified pigs and that involving the use of primates and will take into account potential future developments. The Group has identified a number of issues for consideration: (i) whether there is a need for xenotransplantation ie whether the current and future needs for organ transplants can be met by other means. (ii) | whether it is ethical to use, to modify genetically and to breed animals so that their organs may be used for transplant to humans. Whether the issues are different than those involved in the breeding of animals for food. Whether different issues apply for different animals. (iii) | Should xenotransplantation be thought ethically justifiable, the considerations that should be taken into account in breeding and caring for the genetically modified animals. . (iv) | whether there is a risk of transferring zoonotic infections in the transplantation of organs from one species to another. If there is thought to be such a risk, what assessment can be made of its likely impact on the recipient of the organ and the wider population and how could such an impact be minimised. | eR SPT RE Vet BeuG pes teh: HE OASIS Poo OF Te HOE Nowe bot ON$

The Advisory Group on the Ethics of Xenotransplantation.

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