Many Scientists Contesting Xenotransplant Guidelines

'EMOTIONAL ISSUES': Allegheny University’s Suzanne Ildstad is not surprised by the vigorous debate over xenotransplantation guidelines. Scientists are weighing in heavily with comments-both favorable and unfavorable-about the Public Health Service's (PHS's) draft guidelines for xenotransplantation, or transplantation of cells, tissue, or organs across species. While many researchers see the guidelines as a sound beginning to regulate a new field, some say they don't go far enough to prot

Written bySteven Benowitz

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'EMOTIONAL ISSUES': Allegheny University’s Suzanne Ildstad is not surprised by the vigorous debate over xenotransplantation guidelines.

Scientists are weighing in heavily with comments-both favorable and unfavorable-about the Public Health Service's (PHS's) draft guidelines for xenotransplantation, or transplantation of cells, tissue, or organs across species. While many researchers see the guidelines as a sound beginning to regulate a new field, some say they don't go far enough to protect the public from unknown and potentially dangerous infectious diseases from animals. At the same time, some argue that the guidelines go too far in restricting anticipated growth of the field.

The volume of public response by scientists took some officials by surprise, since few researchers had been outspoken to this point. Many observers note the pace of guideline establishment has prompted an increased urgency in their responses.

The draft guidelines were published (Federal Register, 61:49919-32, September 1996) by a consortium of PHS ...

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