The world faces a continual and increasing need for blood and blood products, but the growing shortage of blood donation is putting availability at risk, threatening the health of millions worldwide. One solution to the growing dilemma is to preserve blood and blood products with techniques that will extend their useful storage life and improve post-transfusion function, reducing the need for repeated transfusions and conserving supply.
Viacell, LLC, a subsidiary of Bioenergy, Inc. is developing blood preservation products designed to do just that. One product in development is a blood additive solution that, when added to harvested blood platelets, can extend their storage life and preserve storage viability and function. Blood platelets are the blood cells that form clots and stop bleeding following trauma or surgery. Helping them maintain their normal clot-forming function over a longer period of time is vital to controlling bleeding and recovery in at-risk patients.
In red blood cells, Viacell is working to develop a blood additive that can help red blood cells maintain their oxygen carrying capacity during storage, and rejuvenate oxygen carrying capacity that is lost while cells are stored. Research using this proprietary blood preservation solution has shown that its use helps red blood cells maintain or restore their ability to bring much needed oxygen to the body following severe blood loss, as with trauma or major surgery. Delivery of oxygen is the primary role of red blood cells in the body, and the maintenance of this critical function is key to the health of patients receiving red blood cell transfusions.
Through its research, Viacell is working to make the world's blood supply last longer and function better so it can help more patients requiring a transfusion. Preserving the function of blood products during storage means a better blood supply and improved clinical outcomes.
