Researchers in Japan are waiting for approval to begin growing organs in pigs for human transplant.
Researchers at the centre for stem cell biology and regenerative medicine at the University of Tokyo have developed a pioneering technique that could allow human organs to be grown inside pigs and then harvested for transplant patients. If successful, the breakthrough could lead to an unlimited supply of organs available for transplant without lengthy waiting lists.
There is a snag however - in order to begin trialling the technique the scientists will require approval from the Japanese government because what they are planning is prohibited under current guidelines. A panel of science and legal experts will be drawing up a recommendation that they are hoping will convince authorities to grant them permission to proceed with the research.
"Japanese scientists are expecting to be granted approval to grow human organs in animals and then harvest them for transplant within the next year."
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Source: National Post
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