Erythromer

ErythroMer is a red blood substitute in development funded by the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Defense.^[1] Similar to other HBOCs, the product is stable for several months even when freeze-dried. It can be reconstituted from its lyophilized state in emergencies. This opens up the possibility of eventual stockpiling of ErythoMer, making it easier to supply blood in large amounts to those who need it.^[2]

The development of this technology was done at Washington University in St. Louis and UIUC.^[when?][3] Trials have been successful in rats, mice, and rabbits, and human trials are planned.^[4]

ErythroMer is a reddish blood powder composed of hemoglobin from humans. By coating it with a synthetic polymer, it can sense pH changes, allowing for oxygen pick up in areas where the pH levels are high and disposal where the levels are low.^[2]

In the Spring of 2024, ErythroMer showed promise in pre-clinical testing. In Animal testing, it effectively delivered oxygen and helped revive animals with significant blood loss. Researchers are hopeful that ErythroMer can soon move to human trials, potentially revolutionizing blood transfusions.^[5]

References

1. "Grants and Contracts | Anesthesia Faculty Scholarship Newsletter | Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania". Med.upenn.edu. 2016-09-30. Archived from the original on 2016-12-02. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
2. "The long quest to create artificial blood may soon be over". NBC News. Retrieved 2017-01-25.
3. "ErythroMer Blood Substitute | Washington University in St. Louis". Otm.wustl.edu. Archived from the original on 2016-12-02. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
4. "1027 Erythromer (EM), a Nanoscale Bio-Synthetic Artificial Red Cell: Proof of Concept and In Vivo Efficacy Results". Ash.confex.com. Retrieved 2016-12-03.
5. Zaleski, Andrew (2024-07-03). "There Will Be Blood". Science. Retrieved 2024-07-05.