Researchers began experimenting with organ transplantation in animals and humans in the 18th century. Over the years, scientists experienced many failures, but by the mid-20th century, successful organ transplants had been performed. Transplants of kidneys, livers, hearts, lungs, pancreases and small bowels are now considered an accepted part of medical treatment. Bone marrow transplants are saving lives, corneal transplants are restoring sight and medical miracles are happening every day.

During the last 20 years, important medical breakthroughs such as tissue typing and development of immunosuppressive drugs have allowed for more successful organ transplants and a longer survival rate for transplant recipients. The most notable development in this area was Jean Borel's discovery of an immunosuppressive drug called cyclosporine in the mid-1970s. This drug was approved for commercial use (in the US) in 1983.

Unfortunately, the need for organ transplants continues to exceed the organ supply. Fifteen people die each day (or one person dies every 1 hours and 45 minutes) due to the shortage of transplantable organs; and every 18 minutes a new name is added to the transplant waiting list. But as medical technology improves, and more donors become available, thousands of people each year will live longer and better lives.