After the success of the first transplant from a pig heart to a human in the United States, a team of scientists from Germany intends to create genetically modified animals to be a source of organ donation for humans. The idea is that the tests for the creation will start later this year, but the topic is controversial and raises numerous ethical questions.
The initiative is led by scientist Eckhard Wolf of the Ludwig-Maximilians University (LMU) in Munich. According to the Reuters news agency, scientists will create a new breed of pigs, modified from animals on the island of Auckland in the Pacific Ocean.
Studies to approve pig hearts
According to Wolf, the first generation of genetically modified pigs should be born later this year. At first, pig hearts will be tested in baboons to improve the technique and validate the protocols.
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Human transplant trials could begin between 2024 and 2025, if those responsible were able to carry out the plan, Wolf estimates.
To justify the initiative, advocates point out that pigs could help shorten the waiting list for organ donation across Germany and, eventually, in other countries. Another point is that animals are raised for human consumption.
Ethical issues?
On the other hand, experts and activists point out that raising animals for organ transplantation clashes with animal rights. If these farms are released, the animals should become something of an organ factory.
Spokeswoman for the Munich branch of Germany’s Animal Welfare Association, Kristina Berchtold, defines this practice as “very ethically questionable”. “Animals should not serve as spare parts for humans,” he says.
“A pet, a farm animal, a clone or an animal born naturally, they all have the same needs, fears and also rights,” says Berchtold.
