Attempts have been made for years to produce ‘artificial’ blood or blood components. British researchers have now succeeded in doing so. They were also the first to transfer lab-produced red blood cells to a human.
The red blood cells were grown from stem cells, which in turn were obtained from blood donations. According to a statement from the University of Bristol, this is the world’s first clinical trial of its kind.
If the blood cells from the lab prove safe, they could revolutionize the treatment of people who depend on regular blood transfusions for diseases like sickle cell anemia. It can be difficult for people with rare blood groups to find enough suitable donor blood – they too can be helped in the future.
“No Side Effects”
So far, two people have been transfused with the lab-grown erythrocytes. “They were closely monitored and no side effects were reported. They are fine and healthy,” the scientists said. The two were “administered” about one to two teaspoons of “artificially produced” blood.
“We hope that our lab-grown red blood cells will last longer than those of blood donors. If our study, the first of its kind in the world, is successful, it means that patients who currently require regular and long-term blood transfusions will need fewer transfusions in the future, which will help improve their care,” said one of the researchers. , Cedric Ghevaert, professor of transfusion medicine at Cambridge, about the study.
Test series planned with other people
At least ten people will receive two transfusions four months apart – one with normal donated red blood cells and one with lab-grown red blood cells. In this way, the scientists can find out whether the young red blood cells grown in the laboratory last longer than the body’s own cells. However, in the near future, engineered cells could only be used for a very small number of patients with highly complex transfusion needs.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
