Jianhui Li

Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang Colloge of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
GMO Biosafety Research, 2024, Vol. 15, No. 1   
Received: 27 Nov., 2023    Accepted: 06 Jan., 2024    Published: 14 Jan., 2024

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

This study explores the ethical considerations of using genetically modified pigs for organ transplantation. With advancements in gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9, genetically modified pigs have increasingly emerged as a critical solution to address the shortage of human organs available for transplantation. However, the application of this technology raises various ethical issues, including the welfare of genetically modified pigs, public health risks associated with xenotransplantation, and the need for long-term health monitoring of recipients. This study reviews key case studies in the field of xenotransplantation and examines the challenges and responsibilities faced by policymakers, researchers, and clinicians in advancing this field. To ensure the scientific progress of xenotransplantation while maintaining ethical responsibility, this study proposes several recommendations, including stringent animal welfare standards, transparent informed consent procedures, and enhanced public understanding of the technology. The study calls for a balanced approach in promoting xenotransplantation, ensuring that the life-saving potential of the technology is harmonized with ethical obligations, thereby achieving a coordinated development of scientific advancement and ethical standards.

Xenotransplantation; Genetically modified pigs; Animal welfare; Ethical considerations; Public health