The road to xenotransplantation

Area of Science:

• Organ transplantation
• Immunology
• Medical research

Background:

• Long-term survival of life-supporting xenografts in preclinical models has prompted discussions on clinical trials.
• Recent compassionate use FDA approvals for cardiac xenotransplantation and renal xenotransplants in brain-dead humans have advanced considerations.

Conclusions:

• Rigorous testing in nonhuman primates and human decedent models is crucial for understanding xenograft responses.
• Meeting FDA requirements for safety and efficacy is paramount before initiating xenotransplantation clinical trials.