A company based in Warsaw, Poland, is developing a potentially ground-breaking red blood cell substitute that could replace donor blood. Nanosanguis received EU funding for the first phase of research into this innovative product, which doctors could use for transplants, operations or transfusions. The project team has produced a prototype fluid which could be commercialised if clinical studies provide positive results.
Warsaw-based project to develop artificial blood could deliver innovation on a global scale
- 16 August 2019
We believe our product will find a wide application in medicine – during transfusions, transplants or operations. This research subject is currently one of the key biotechnological issues on which scientists are working all over the world. Our solution could constitute an innovation on a global scale.
Donor blood saves many lives across Europe every year and demand for it continues to grow. However, natural blood only has a shelf-life of about 40 days, which makes it hard to manage supplies. In times of high demand, supply can run critically short, while at other times batches of blood can go spoilt and unused. Nanosanguis aims to change this situation by developing a longer-lasting and completely synthetic red blood cell substitute that contains everything required to deliver oxygen to human tissues.
Real progress
The research phase has generated solid results. A team of experienced scientists and PhD candidates has developed a completely new group of surfactants. This has enabled the project to create a good-quality, stable blood substitute fluid capable of carrying respiratory gases. Several other test have refined the production of the prototype fluid enriched with extra compounds such as amino acids, glucose and antioxidants.
Further lab work has been undertaken through in vitro test to assess the fluid’s compatibility with human cells and natural blood. This progress led to tests on rats, where their blood was gradually replaced with the substitute. Only a few experiments were conducted, but all have been promising. A group of experts has started to develop a methodology for pre-clinical studies on large animal organs.
Next steps
The research stage has provided new knowledge about the physical and chemical properties of the red blood substitute and how it might interact with the human body. In addition, Nanosanguis now has a greater understanding of how to produce the product and all the necessary quality control methods.
The blood substitute has to be tested for its stability in long-term storage and its response to physiological conditions. Then, pre-clinical studies will be undertaken to determine the maximum tolerated dose, the circulation time in the blood system, and to demonstrate the therapeutic effect of the blood substitute on animal models. If all goes well, the new product would be patented before steps are taken towards full commercialisation.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Red Blood Cell Substitute” is EUR 706 392 (PLN 3 002 039), with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 409 183 (PLN 1 738 954) through the Mazowieckie Regional Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period. The investment falls under the priority “Research and Innovation”.