Blood grown in lab set for human trial
THE first human trials of blood grown in a laboratory are set to begin at a British hospital.
It is believed artificial blood will provide a safe and never-ending source for patients needing transfusions without need of a donor.
The move marks a huge step forward for treating life-limiting conditions such as sickle cell disease.
Scientists from the University of Bristol and NHS blood and transplant agency have jointly developed the pioneering technology to make blood from adult stem cells which are reproduced in a laboratory.
The trials involving human patients are set to take place at Cambridge’s Addenbrooke’s Hospital.
The process will see a radioactive tracer used to test how long the laboratory-manufactured red blood cells last in the body compared with the same amount of standard red blood cells from a donor.
Up to 10 volunteers will undergo two mini-blood transfusions spaced four months apart. They will be given up to a teaspoon of laboratory-grown red blood cells.
As this blood is costly to manufacture it is thought artificial blood will be used initially for patients with rare blood groups when it is difficult to find a matching donor.
Dr Pierre LaFolie, leading blood expert at Karolinska Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden, said artificial blood could one day lead to dramatic changes in healthcare.
He said: “If this works then mankind will have taken a big step forward. This is like landing on the Moon.”
Dr LaFolie added that synthetic blood could save time after an accident or injury, particularly as there is no need to test a patient’s blood type before administering a transfusion.
He said: “In acute situations, time is of the essence – within an hour all these things have to be done.
“That’s why I think blood is so important.”
Professor Dave Anstee, former director at the NIHR blood and transplant research unit, said: “Scientists have been working for years on how to manufacture red blood cells to offer an alternative to donated blood to treat patients.
“The first therapeutic use is likely to be for patients with rare blood groups because suitable donations can be difficult. Patients who stand potentially to benefit most are those with complex and life-limiting conditions like sickle cell disease and thalassemia, which can require multiple transfusions of well-matched blood.” this artificial