Panel questions xenotransplants

Bethesda, Md. - A U.S. government advisory panel is concerned that animal-to-human tissue transplants are proceeding without safeguards.

Xenotransplantation - the process of using animal tissues in humans - is available in Mexico under extremely lenient safety rules, according to the panel. Experts express concern this might open the door for "international xenotourism" for Americans to skirt tight regulations in the U.S. by going to Mexico for surgery.

Xenotransplants have been used with limited success in the U.S., largely because of recipient rejection. As a result, all experiments using animal tissues must be cleared through the Food and Drug Administration.