Human trial of artificial uterus may be launched soon, experts say ethical standards for artificial uterus urgently need to be improved

The concept of an artificial uterus facility designed by science communicator Hashem Al Ghaili sparked heated discussions last December. Image/Visual ChinaThe journal Nature published a special report on September 14th, stating that human trials of artificial uterus may soon begin

The concept of an artificial uterus facility designed by science communicator Hashem Al Ghaili sparked heated discussions last December. Image/Visual China

The journal Nature published a special report on September 14th, stating that human trials of artificial uterus may soon begin. On September 19th, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a two-day independent advisory meeting to discuss how to transfer research on artificial uterus from animals to humans. This technology has been tested on hundreds of lambs and some piglets worldwide.

Left: Lambs born on 107 days of pregnancy survive on the 4th day in an artificial uterus/Right: Lambs born after 28 days of cultivation in an artificial uterus. Figure/"Natural Communication"

Unlike the predictions in Nature, the FDA meeting did not disclose specific human trial protocols. In fact, in the future stage, the primary goal of artificial uterus is to save premature infants, rather than replace the uterus. The most challenging question currently is "how much uncertainty can we accept," said Ann Massaro, the chief neonatologist at the FDA Pediatric Therapy Office, at the meeting. Several attending experts stated that the transition from animal models to human experiments still requires time, and many key technical details and ethical norms urgently need to be improved.

Source | Editor in Chief of China Newsweek | Qin Xiaojie Intern Chen Chaohui

Editor: Qin Xiaojie

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