Xenotransplantation and the organ shortage: evaluating policy priorities

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Xenotransplantation has emerged as a popular potential solution for increasing organ supply, but it comes with formidable public health risks and ethical harms. The purpose of this review is to evaluate xenotransplantation and other strategies for addressing the organ shortage, pointing toward the most promising policy priorities. RECENT FINDINGS: Advances in genetic engineering, paired with increasing financial support, have positioned xenotransplantation in its first ever clinical trials. Rejection remains a formidable challenge, and caution prevails as the full breadth of zoonotic infectious potential remains to be determined. Meanwhile, strategies have been implemented around the world to bolster allotransplant organ supply and practices and to better treat chronic diseases to reduce demand for organs. SUMMARY: With more support and broader global adoption, these alternative strategies can address the organ shortage more effectively, safely, and ethically than xenotransplantation and should be prioritized by policymakers.