Should xenotransplantation (animal‑to‑human organ transplants) be widely adopted?
The idea of adopting xenotransplantation—the transplantation of organs from animals into humans—sits at the crossroads of biotechnology, ethics, and medicine. The term comes from the Greek “xeno,” meaning foreign, and refers specifically to animal-to-human transplants. For decades, scientists have explored this approach as a way to address critical organ shortages, particularly for kidneys, hearts, and livers, where waiting lists often exceed available donations. Advances in genetic engineering, such as modifying pigs to reduce immune rejection, have brought xenotransplantation closer to practical reality. Important terms in this debate include immune rejection, the process by which the body attacks foreign tissue; zoonotic risk, the possibility of diseases crossing from animals to humans; and biomedical ethics, which considers whether such practices align with human values and responsibilities toward animals. Historically, experimental xenotransplants date back to the 20th century, with early attempts using primates, though survival rates were limited. Today, breakthroughs in CRISPR gene editing and immunosuppressive drugs have revived interest, with clinical trials showing unprecedented levels of success. The broader context stretches beyond science: questions about animal welfare, public trust in biotechnology, and long-term safety shape how widely xenotransplantation could be adopted.