In Canada, xenotransplants are legally permissible, but need to be preceded by a clinical trial authorized by Health Canada (Laderoute, 2001; Health Canada, 2010). To date, no applications have been received or approved in Canada (Health Canada, 2010).
In Europe and the United States, genetically modified (GM) animals have been approved for pharmaceutical use (Frewer, 2013). The UK is currently accepting applications for clinical trials, though none have been approved (Health Canada, 2010). Other European countries such as Spain, Belgium and Germany have ongoing or planned trials (Health Canada, 2010). In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration has approved some clinical trials of xenotransplantation (Health Canada, 2010).