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UK
Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority (UKXIRA)
Back ground and terms of referenceXenotransplantation is the transplantation of tissue and organs between different species, and in particular the transplantation of animal tissue into humans. There is currently, and will continue to be, a shortage of human organs and tissue for transplantation. Much work is being done to increase public awareness of the organ donor programme and to maximise the numbers of organs donated. Initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles to minimise the need for transplantation are also underway. However, many conditions which lead to the need for transplants cannot be prevented simply through leading a healthier lifestyle. Furthermore, welcome reductions in the number of road traffic accidents and strokes mean that fewer organs are becoming available for transplant. Xenotransplantation is a potential solution to this shortage. Recent scientific developments may mean that the problem of rejection of tissue transplanted between species can be overcome. This raises the possibility of increasing the supply of organs and tissue to meet medical demand. However, it also raises a number of complex ethical issues. Issues such as safety - both to the individual and the wider public; of the efficacy of such procedures; and considerations of animal welfare. In late 1995, the Advisory Group on the Ethics of Xenotransplantation was formed under the Chairmanship of Professor Ian Kennedy. This commenced UK work on xenotransplantation and its implications. The Advisory Group's report to Government, Animal Tissue into Humans, was published in January 1997. Its main conclusion was that xenotransplantation could be acceptable provided that certain criteria were met. Amongst more than sixty detailed recommendations, was a recommendation for the establishment of a regulatory body to oversee the development of xenotransplantation in this country. The United Kingdom Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority (UKXIRA) was established in response to this report.
UKXIRA's terms of reference were: "To advise the Secretaries of State for Health, Northern Ireland, Scotland
and Wales on the action necessary to regulate xenotransplantation, taking
into account the principles outlined in "Animal Tissues into Humans",
and worldwide developments in xenotransplantation. In particular to advise:
Membership as at December 2006
Members
Members are asked to make a statement of any direct or indirect pecuniary interest they consider members of the public might reasonably think could influence the judgements they have to make as part of the United Kingdom Xenotransplantation Interim Regulatory Authority (UKXIRA) activities. The declarations will form a register of member's interests to be maintained
by the UKXIRA Secretariat. Declarations will be updated on an annual basis,
but Members should inform the Secretariat of any changes as they occur.
Top Meetings and papersDiscussion of matters involving commercial or patient confidence is not included 2006 2005
2004
2003 2002
2001
Publications
Council of Europe The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe has adopted a recommendation to its member states on xenotransplantation, underlining the need to keep patients fully informed and calling for the establishment of world-wide agreements and monitoring procedues. For further information on the recommendation Rec(2003)10, visit the
Council of Europe website on:
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