Blood grown in the laboratory was transfused into humans for the first time in a landmark clinical study.
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LONDON – Laboratory-grown blood has been transfused into humans for the first time in a landmark clinical trial that British researchers say could greatly improve the treatment of people with rare blood type and blood type disorders.
Two patients in the UK were given small doses – equivalent to a few teaspoons – of laboratory-grown blood in the first phase of a larger study designed to see how it behaves inside the body.
The study, which will now be extended to 10 patients over several months, aims to study the lifespan of cells grown in the laboratory compared to standard red blood cell infusions.
The researchers say the goal is not to replace regular human blood donations, which will continue to make up the bulk of transfusions. But the technology could allow scientists to produce very rare blood groups that are hard to find but are vital for people who depend on regular blood transfusions for conditions like sickle cell anemia.
“This world-leading research lays the foundation for the production of red blood cells that can be safely used to transfuse people with conditions such as sickle cell anemia,” said Dr. Farrukh Shah, medical director of blood and transfusion. transplant of the NHS. , one of the collaborators. on the project.
“There will remain a need for regular blood donations to provide the vast majority of blood. But the potential of this work for the benefit of difficult-to-transfuse patients is very significant, “she added.
How does the technology work?
The research, led by researchers from Bristol, Cambridge and London, as well as NHS Blood and Transplant, focuses on red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Initially, regular blood donation was made and magnetic beads were used to detect flexible stem cells capable of becoming red blood cells.
These rods were then placed in a nutrient solution in a laboratory. Over the course of about three weeks, the solution encouraged these cells to multiply and develop into more mature cells.
The cells were then purified using a standard filter, the same type of filter used when processing regular blood donations to remove white blood cells, before being stored and then transfused to patients.
For the test, laboratory-grown blood was labeled with a radioactive substance, often used in medical procedures, to monitor how long it lasts in the body.
The same process will now be applied to a test on 10 volunteers, who will each receive two donations of 5-10 ml at least four months apart – one of normal blood and one of laboratory-grown blood – to compare. lifespan cells.
How much will it cost?
It is also hoped that a longer lifespan of cells grown in the laboratory may mean that patients require fewer transfusions over time.
A typical blood donation contains a mix of young and old red blood cells, which means their lifespan can be unpredictable and suboptimal. Lab-grown blood, on the other hand, is freshly prepared, which means it should last the expected 120 days of red blood cells.
However, currently, significant costs are related to the technology.
The average blood donation currently costs the NHS around £ 145, according to NHS Blood and Transplant. Lab-grown substitutes would likely be more expensive.
NHS Blood and Transplant said there were “no figures yet” for the procedure, but the additional costs would decrease as the technology developed.
“If the process is successful and the research works, it could be rolled out on a large scale over the next few years, which would mean that costs would decrease,” a spokesperson for CNBC said.
