Xenotransplantation: a rational choice?

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Ethics
• Transplantation Science
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Xenotransplantation (cross-species transplantation) presents significant potential for addressing organ shortages.
• Numerous biological challenges impede the clinical application of xenotransplantation.
• Current debates question the required level of safety and efficacy for human xenotransplantation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To challenge the prevailing scientific paradigm of optimizing xenotransplantation products for maximum safety and efficacy.
• To advocate for a shift towards accepting "satisficing" solutions in xenotransplantation development.
• To explore the ethical and practical implications of adopting a

Main Methods:

• Philosophical argumentation
• Ethical analysis
• Review of current xenotransplantation research landscape

Main Results:

• The pursuit of absolute optimal safety in xenotransplantation may be an unrealistic and potentially delaying goal.
• A

Conclusions:

• The scientific community should transition from seeking optimal xenotransplantation solutions to identifying "satisficing" ones that are sufficiently safe and effective for clinical use.
• Adopting a satisficing approach could accelerate the clinical implementation of xenotransplantation, benefiting patients sooner.
• This paradigm shift requires careful ethical consideration and societal dialogue.