Kidney Research UK

Statement on Xenotransplantation

The National Kidney Research Fund closely observes all developments in xenotransplantation (the use of animal organs) and tissue engineering. Transplantation is the most effective treatment for patients with end-stage renal failure and the only treatment available for end stage liver or cardiac failure, but unfortunately the waiting lists for transplants of all types continue to increase in the UK.

The Fund believes that the prospect of an abundant source of animal organs for humans with failure of the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, or pancreas is still a long way off. Much more work is necessary in order to make this a viable option for kidney patients and may be at least 10 years away. For the foreseeable future there remains an urgent need for human donors and urges everyone to join the NHS Organ Donor Register by phoning 0845 60 60400 or contacting the website www.nhs.uk/organdonor and to tell their family about their wishes.

We believe finding cures for kidney disease is the best long-term solution. It must also be remembered that, despite xenotransplantation advances, transplantation is not the only answer and that the need for dialysis facilities also remains a high priority as only a third of patients on dialysis will ever be suitable for a transplant. Prevention is better than cure and by diagnosing and treating kidney disease at an early stage the likelihood of end stage kidney failure is reduced. There is still a great need for further research to find cures for the more than 100 different causes of kidney failure.

For more information on Kidney Research UK please click here for a contact number.