TOKYO: A clinical study of artificial red blood cells that can be stored for transfusions in times of emergency will begin in Japan by next March, according to Nara Medical University, Kyodo news agency reported.
The university aims to put the artificial cells into practical use by around 2030, it said in early July, in what would likely be a world first.
The development of the blood cells, designed for use in remote areas and disasters, comes as a blood shortage is expected at medical facilities due to a declining number of donors amid the country's shrinking population.
While red blood cells obtained from donated blood can only be stored for less than a month at low temperatures, the artificial cells can be stored for two years at room temperature, researchers said.
As the artificial blood cells were made free of any blood type, they can be used without confirming a patient's blood type and administered during transportation by ambulance, they said.
With transfusions of 800ml common in clinical environments, in the study 100 to 400 ml of the artificial blood cell solution will be administered to each of 16 healthy adults to be solicited from March.
If no side effects are confirmed with 400 ml of administration, the trial will shift to examine the treatment's efficacy and safety, the university said.
The artificial blood cells have been developed free of viruses and other sources of infection using donor blood that has been discarded after it expired.
Hiromi Sakai, professor of Nara Medical University, said the need for the artificial blood cells is "significant" as there is currently no safe substitute for red cells. – Bernama
