J Med Ethics. 2014 Nov 5. pii: medethics-2014-102224. doi: 10.1136/medethics-2014-102224. [Epub ahead of print]

Creating human organs in chimaera pigs: an ethical source of immunocompatible organs?

Shaw D1, Dondorp W2, Geijsen N3, de Wert G2.

Author information

• 1Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Research School GROW, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands Institute for BiomedicalEthics, University of Basel.
• 2Department of Health, Ethics and Society, Research School GROW, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
• 3Hubrecht Institute and University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Abstract

New techniques in regenerative medicine may soon enable the creation of human organs inside animals using induced pluripotent stem cells. This technology has the potential to solve the organ scarcity problem by providing a limitless source of personalised organs for transplantation, but also raises several ethical issues, particularly concerning animal welfare, the 'human features' problem and human dignity.