Code E: Xenotransplantation

115.    Xenografts are cells, tissues or organs that are transplanted from one species to another. Human tissues and cells are widely used in ‘research in connection with disorders, or the functioning, of the human body’ involving animal models. The use of human tissues and cells in animals is not considered a method of storing human tissue or cells and therefore does not require a storage licence. However, where human tissues and cells are being stored for a scheduled purpose before they are transplanted into a recipient species, a storage licence may be required.

116.    When consent is obtained for tissue and/or cells to be used in research and it is known at the time of obtaining consent that this would involve the transfer of material to animal models, this should be explained to the individual and consent should be obtained for this. This is based on the requirement that for consent to be valid the individual should understand the nature and purpose of what is being proposed which includes how the tissue will be used.