The 1997 discovery, however, of a Porcine endogenous retrovirus was a major concern, but researchers believe that this virus can be removed from transgenic pigs. Aversion to xenotransplantation often stems from animal rights activism and cultural issues. Primates are endangered and have an advanced family structure which would cause them to suffer if a member is removed. But selective breeding of animals for food has been accepted for centuries. Two studies from Australia suggest that there may be cultural aversion to xenotransplantation.
Aversions are likely to fade away gradually.
The high cost and disparity of transplant waits are major issues in transplantation. In the 1970s, Medicare began paying for kidney dialysis and transplants, but not donors. Many transplants are still considered experimental, so they are not covered by insurance, thereby limiting access to these procedures. Commercial production of xenografts and patenting would add organ costs to an already expensive process. Transplant waits will decrease with increasing success of xenotransplantation.