New blood treatment matches standard care in major trial

Hospitals and blood banks may soon have a new option to protect patients from infectious diseases in donated blood. Cerus Corp reported on Monday that a large-scale study found its Intercept technology performs just as well as standard red blood cells for people needing transfusions.

The trial met its primary endpoint. Patients who received Intercept-treated blood showed similar increases in hemoglobin levels compared to those who received conventional units. This metric confirms that the treated blood worked as effectively to restore oxygen-carrying capacity.

Safety results were also comparable. Cerus stated there was no statistically significant difference in treatment-related adverse events between the two groups. While a small number of patients developed temporary antibodies specific to the Intercept process, doctors observed no destruction of red blood cells and no clinical impact on those individuals.

The Intercept system uses a chemical process to inactivate viruses and bacteria in donated products. Although the results are positive, the treatment remains experimental in the United States. The US Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved the technology for routine use.

The agency has not reviewed the final study report from Cerus. The company plans to submit the data to regulators for evaluation. Until approval is granted, hospitals must continue using standard methods to screen and store donated red blood cells.