2019 Articles

Opinion: Develop Organoids, Not Chimeras, for Transplantation

Loike, John D.; Pollack, Robert

This article critiques the practice of creating human-animal chimeras for organ transplantation, arguing that it raises significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding the potential for human-like behaviors in chimeric animals. Instead, the authors advocate for the development of human organoids—lab-grown mini-organs from stem cells—as a more ethical and scientifically viable solution to the organ shortage crisis. They highlight the advantages of organoids, including reduced risk of tissue rejection and disease transmission, and suggest that organoid technology offers a better path forward in transplantation medicine.