SYDNEY: Australia will lift a five-year ban on animal-to-human transplant trials at the end of 2009, the National Health and Medical Research Council said yesterday.

The council said developments in science and technology since the xenotransplantation research ban was introduced in 2004 meant the risk of transmitting animal viruses was now low.

"The risks, if appropriately regulated, are minimal and acceptable given the potential benefits," it said in a statement.