The cells, says Elliott, only produce about a quarter of each patient's insulin requirements. What's most interesting about the study is that while one of the test subjects had a kidney transplant and takes immunosuppressant drugs, the other had only the cell transplant and takes no immunosuppressants. Although pigs used for transplantation are raised in a sterile, disease-free environment, critics worry that their cells might transmit diseases to their new hosts. As a result, Britain and a few other countries have declared a moratorium on xenotransplants. Of course, proponents of the procedure argue that such fears are unfounded and that pigs could supply a safe and limitless supply of islet cells and other transplant organs.
Most researchers are reluctant to speculate.
Some think the procedure might be perfected within the next few years. Others say it will take much longer. In the meantime diabetics like Smith continue to wait. These days, Smith and his doctors are planning for his eventual return to the world of diabetes. Despite the looming failure of his islet cell transplant, Smith is anything but discouraged.