La sécurité des xénogreffons : une normativité à bâtir
Xenotransplantation that is, the transplantation of non-human animal cells, tissues and organs into humans, is considered a solution to the organ shortage problem. However, this technology could be the source of new diseases; therefore, it is necessary to have measures aimed at assuring the health of animal donors as well as the quality and safety of the xenografts in order to minimize the risks of disease transmission from animal to human, called xenozoonosis. The subject of this master's thesis is to verify if the standards that exist in Canada and in Quebec are appropriate to assure the safety of the recipients and the population. In the first place, we have examined the standards that could apply to the surveillance and control of the health of animal donors. These standards that apply to known diseases do not meet the specificities of xenotransplantation. As for the xenografts, their qualification is problematic: drugs or medical devices? This possibility of a double status could affect the uniformity of the decisions relative to their quality and safety. We have also studied the Proposed Canadian Standard for Xenotransplantation. The latter may resolve the unsuitability of normative standards that exists in Canada. A comparison of such a Canadian standard with the WHO recommendations and the measures in place in the United States allows us to recommend on how to improve it. Our study reveals that a Canadian normative standard that focuses on the security of the xenografts is still to be implemented. An essential element to be considered in its development, is the need to establish a worldwide compatible and suitable control system.
Law Ethics Norms Quality control Health of the animaIs Public health Safety Organ transplantation Xenotransplantation Xenozoonosis