The HemoDefend purification technology platform is intended for use in whole blood, packed red blood cells (RBCs), and platelets. The system is based on a biocompatible, porous polymer bead technology that captures substances based on size and surface adsorption, specifically targeting antibodies, foreign antigens, cytokines, inflammatory mediators, toxins, free hemoglobin, and bioactive lipids that can trigger adverse events. The same technology may also be capable of removing prions--an infectious agent responsible for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, commonly known as "mad-cow" disease.

In addition to the proprietary bead technology, the HemoDefend system also includes a patent-pending "Beads in a Bag" treatment configuration, where the beads are placed directly into a blood storage bag. Blood or separated blood components are then simply added to the bag, and purification begins instantly and continues throughout the duration of storage, maximizing removal efficiency. Because the beads are neutrally buoyant, no mixing is required, which greatly simplifies the process, and is compatible with current blood storage conditions. An integrated filter in the bag prevents beads from leaving the bag during the transfusion process.

The polymer beads meet international standards for biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, genotoxicity, cytotoxicity, acute sensitivity, and complement activation and can therefore directly contact blood for extended periods of time. In addition, the beads are inert and stable at a wide range of temperatures, and do not contain any antibodies, biologics, ligands, or drugs. Because of this, they have a very long shelf life that is consistent with blood storage bag manufacturing standards. No special equipment or handling is required, making it ideal for mainstream and military applications, as well as for use in less developed countries. The HemoDefend purification technology platform is a product of CytoSorbents (Monmouth Junction, NJ, USA).

“Our new HemoDefend purification technology platform represents a unique, easy to use, robust solution to potentially improve the quality and safety of blood by reducing transfusion reactions, extending its useful life, and preventing adverse consequences sometimes associated with administration of older blood,” said Phillip Chan, MD, PhD, CEO of CytoSorbents. “Older blood accumulates many substances during storage such as free hemoglobin, bioactive lipids, cytokines, and others that can increase the risk of adverse outcome. HemoDefend targets the removal of these substances to improve the quality and safety of blood.”

The technology is potentially applicable to the majority of the approximately 30 million blood component transfusions that occur each year in the United States, as well as an even greater number of transfusions that take place annually worldwide.

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CytoSorbents