Ban on animal-to-human transplantation trial to be lifted

Sydney: Australia announced Thursday that it would lift a five-year ban on clinical trials of animal-to-human transplantation, after the government's top health body determined the risk of transmitting animal viruses to people was low.

The decision by the National Health and Medical Research Council means Australia will join a slew of other countries — including the US and New Zealand — that have conducted trials of xenotransplantation, the transfer of living cells, tissues or organs from one species to another.

Researchers hope the procedure can someday serve as a substitute for human organs, which are in chronic short supply, and help treat diseases such as diabetes and Parkinson's.

The council issued a ban on clinical trials in 2004, after concerns were raised about the risks of transmitting animal viruses — particularly those from pigs —to humans.

Low risk

The council on Thursday said in a statement it was satisfied such risks were low and that trials should be allowed to proceed once strict regulatory and surveillance frameworks are put in place.

The council plans to consult the Australian Health Ethics Committee and Animal Welfare Committee to develop guidance for researchers.