Everything you need to know about… xenotransplantation
What is xenotransplantation?
For type 1 diabetes, xenotransplantation involves taking insulin-producing islets from animals —in this case, pigs—and transplanting them into people. Pigs are considered the best species for xenotransplantation because pig organs are similar in size and physiology to human organs and pig insulin has been shown to work effectively in humans.
Earlier this year, the Australian government’s National Health and Medical Research Council lifted a moratorium on the clinical use of xenotransplantation. The ruling came after five years of research into the possible side effects of the technique, particularly the potential transmission of disease from animals to humans. It concluded that xenotransplantation research can proceed, given that researchers adhere to strict guidelines, and that the associated risks with xenotransplantation are minimal and acceptable given the potential benefits.
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JDRF has announced a one year industry partnership with an Australian company to support a clinical trial into the use of encapsulated pig islets to treat type 1 diabetes.
The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council has lifted a five-year ban on the clinical use of xenotransplantation – a medical process involving the transplantation of animal tissue into humans to treat disease.
