"Slow Going for Blood Substitutes"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1991. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"Slow Going for Blood Substitutes"

Science (12/21/90) Vol. 250, No. 4988, P. 1655
Pool, Robert

Abstract: Researchers have been attempting to develop blood substitutes for years. However, hemoglobin derivatives have produced unexpected side effects, setting back hopes of having blood that would pose no threat of HIV, would not have to be matched for type, and could be stored longer at lower cost. Toxic effects such as kidney failure have impeded the progress of blood-substitute research, as has the secrecy that shrouds most of the research, which is done by private companies interested in keeping important findings under wraps. The U.S. Army's Institute of Research in San Francisco may open the field to researchers without ties to companies by offering samples of artificial blood to whomever wants them. Furthermore, some scientists think blood substitutes are finally getting close to the market. However, after a March 14 hearing involving several companies in the field, the Food and Drug Administration advanced a list of criteria that will have to be met for future clinical studies. Most sources say they know of no U.S. companies now conducting human trials.

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