Sunday, February 7, 2010

Australia to Lift Ban on Xenotransplants

Australia to Lift Ban on Animal Transplants

"Australia will join some 14 other countries -- including Japan, New Zealand and the United States -- in allowing xenotransplantation, the transplanting of animal organs and cells into humans to substitute for human organ donors and to treat diseases like diabetes.
The Australian moratorium was introduced in 2004 based on concerns that research in the area could prompt animal viruses, particularly pig viruses, to jump the species gap into humans.
The World Health Organization has called on countries to establish regulatory control and surveillance mechanisms before allowing xenotransplantations."

HT: Steve Leider

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