Characteristics Associated With Acceptance of Porcine Xenotransplantation

Understanding public attitudes toward porcine xenotransplantation is critical as it develops toward clinical implementation, which could address the national organ shortage. This study measured public support and identified demographic and personal characteristics associated with acceptance.

We conducted an online survey between April 8 and July 8, 2024. An adult, representative sample (n = 1021) of the US population was obtained through Prolific Survey Services, with oversamples for religious and racial minority groups (total n = 1466).

Overall support was high, with 58.1% supporting its use and another 28.3% conditionally supporting it. Support varied by demographic characteristics, with White (88.8%) and Hispanic (88.6%) respondents more supportive than Black (72.2%) and Asian (80.4%) respondents. Men (87.7%) were slightly more supportive than women (84.8%). Muslim respondents (54.6%) were notably less supportive than other religious groups. Multivariable logistic regression confirmed Black respondents were less supportive than White (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.24-0.71, p = 0.001), and Muslim respondents were less supportive than Protestant (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.08-0.37, p < 0.001). Respondents with liberal political orientation (OR = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.92-5.31, p < 0.001) and those knowing a transplant recipient (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.32-3.26, p = 0.002) were more supportive. Primary concerns included zoonotic disease transmission (63.1%) and patient safety (61.4%).

While support for porcine xenotransplantation is high overall, notable differences exist across demographic groups. These findings illustrate the importance of targeted educational approaches to address concerns as clinical trials begin, particularly for groups historically disadvantaged in access to transplantation.