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Time of India
15-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Japan's ‘no-match' artificial blood may end shortages
Japanese researchers have developed artificial blood, potentially revolutionizing emergency medicine and addressing global blood shortages, particularly in countries like India. These lab-made red blood cells, called NMU-HbV, mimic real ones by effectively carrying oxygen. Clinical trials are underway, with potential real-world use by 2030. No blood group matching required, no infection risk, no expiry for months. Researchers in Japan have developed artificial blood that has the potential to end global blood shortage and transform how the world handles emergencies, especially in cases of mass casualties and rural surgeries. The innovation comes from Professor Hiromi Sakai and his team at Nara Medical University, who have created stable, virus-free artificial red blood cells now undergoing clinical trials. If all goes according to plan, this breakthrough could be ready for real-world use by 2030. A recent Lancet report showed India has one of the world's highest blood shortages, with lack of awareness, sub-par infrastructure and a chronic shortage of donors worsening the crisis. So, the idea of a blood substitute could be life changing in such a scenario. What is artificial blood? It isn't a full replica of human blood as it doesn't have white blood cells or platelets. But it does what's most vital in an emergency — carry oxygen. These lab-made blood cells mimic real ones, stay stable at room temperature, and are made using expired donated blood that would otherwise be discarded. 'They are also expected to respond to diseases and surgical procedures that cannot be treated by blood transfusions, and to unmet medical needs,' says Sakai's lab website. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Benefits of Trading Bitcoin CFDs IC Markets Learn More Undo The artificial red blood cells were developed by putting purified haemoglobin into thin lipid-based structures, forming haemoglobin vesicles (HbVs). These vesicles are just 250 nanometres wide — small enough to flow through capillaries, just like natural red blood cells do. Unlike the red colour of blood, these artificial cells have a purplish hue as they do not oxidise until used. HbVs don't have blood type and don't carry infection risks. They are made from expired red blood cells, or even from animal or lab-sourced haemoglobin. In essence, it's a purified, shelf-stable oxygen delivery system — without complications of blood transfusions. These lab-made cells are not a full replica of human blood as these don't have white blood cells or platelets. But they do what's most vital in an emergency — carry oxygen Agencies Is it better than the real thing? Artificial blood (called NMU-HbV) offers several benefits over traditional blood donations. For starters, it rules out the need for compatibility testing, making it ideal for emergency situations. 'When a blood transfusion is urgently needed, some time is lost trying to determine the patient's blood type. With the artificial red blood cells, there's no need to worry about blood types,' Sakai told Japan Times. Also, the blood can be stored at room temperature for up to two years, far exceeding the short shelf life (around 42 days) of donated blood. After completing successful safety tests in animals in early 2019, researchers began the first human trial in Oct 2020 at Hokkaido University. Healthy adult men were given 10ml, 50ml and 100 ml doses in three separate groups. Some participants had mild fever or discomfort from the injection, but those were short-lived. Blood tests, heart checks, and other health indicators were normal. The trial was approved by Japan's drug authority and the university's ethics committee.
India Today
04-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Japanese scientists develop artificial blood that stores without refrigeration
Japanese scientists have developed artificial blood, which serves as a substitute for real blood. It is a new type of universal artificial blood that could be used for any blood type, stored without breakthrough could eliminate one of the biggest challenges in emergency medicine: finding the right blood type in time. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted a global shortage of blood supply. This innovation could play a crucial role in treating trauma and could be used in surgeries and Nara Medical University is set to begin a clinical trial this year to test whether expired donated blood, normally thrown away, can be reused by turning it into artificial red blood cells. If the trials are successful, Japan could become the first country to deploy artificial blood in real-world medical systems by 2030. Because this artificial blood lacks the specific markers that typically determine compatibility (like A, B, AB, or O types), it can be safely transfused into any patient without artificial blood is also virus-free and has a much longer shelf life than donated human traditional blood must be used within a few weeks and kept under refrigeration, this synthetic alternative can be stored for several years at room temperature, making it especially useful in remote areas, disaster zones, and for military IT WORKS AND WHY IT MATTERSProfessor Hiromi Sakai at Nara Medical University in Japan has pioneered the project. The researchers developed the product by extracting haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of red blood cells, from expired donor then encapsulate it in tiny fat-based bubbles that mimic natural red blood cells, allowing the haemoglobin to circulate safely through the body without triggering an immune response."When a blood transfusion is urgently needed, it takes some time before starting the transfusion because the patient's blood type needs to be examined," said Hiromi Sakai told The Japan Times. "With the artificial red blood cells, there is no need to worry about blood types, so the transfusion procedure can be performed quickly."Since the process removes cells and other immune-stimulating parts, the risk of transmitting infections or causing reactions is nearly technology is still in clinical trial stages, but early results are new artificial blood doesn't need to be matched to a person's blood type and can be stored for a long time, up to two years at room temperature and five years in a comparison, real donated blood lasts only about 42 human trials, which started in 2022, showed that healthy volunteers were able to receive the artificial blood safely, with no serious side effects. The trial is now testing larger doses (100 to 400 millilitres) to check how well it works and how safe it is, according to a Tokyo Weekender these tests continue to show good results, this artificial blood could be used in hospitals and emergency care by around 2030, especially in places where regular blood is hard to store or successful, Japan's artificial blood may not only ease the burden on blood banks, but also ensure that lifesaving transfusions are available more quickly and safely, regardless of blood type or infrastructure.- Ends
NDTV
06-06-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Universal Artificial Blood For All Types In Clinical Trials, Could Save Millions
In a medical breakthrough that could save millions of lives, Japanese researchers have started clinical trials to explore the effectiveness and safety of universal artificial blood. Led by Professor Hiromi Sakai at Nara Medical University, the artificial blood, usable for all blood types, could have a shelf life of up to two years. If successful, it could transform the emergency medicare system across the globe. Their approach involves extracting haemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule in red blood cells, from expired donor blood. It is then encased in a protective shell to create stable, virus-free artificial red blood cells, according to a report in Newsweek. Unlike donated blood, these artificial cells have no blood type, eliminating the need for compatibility testing and making them invaluable in emergencies. Notably, donated blood has a shelf life of just 42 days, and even then, there is not enough of it, and requires compatibility amongst different blood groups. For the trial, the researchers administered 100 to 400 millilitres of the artificial blood to 16 healthy adult volunteers in March. If the test safety and efficacy are achieved, the researchers are hoping for practical use by 2030, making Japan the first country in the world to deploy artificial blood for real-world medical care. "The need for artificial blood cells is significant as there is currently no safe substitute for red cells," said Professor Sakai. Social media reacts Reacting to the start of the clinical trials, social media users marvelled at the potential implications with some claiming it was a Nobel Prize-winning endeavour, if it was a success. "If true, and not inordinately expensive, this is going to be completely transformational," said one user, while another added: "If it is safe, this is worth a Nobel Prize." A third commented: "Japanese scientists are really doing the most between this, regrowing teeth, and the shots that make cats live longer. Really hope this stuff makes it worldwide." Notably, the US has been developing ErythroMer (made from 'recycled' haemoglobin) for the past few years, and has already started pre-clinical testing. Last year, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced a Rs 394 crore ($46 million) grant to a University of Maryland-led consortium to develop a shelf-stable, field-deployable whole blood substitute with ErythroMer as its core.
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Artificial blood breakthrough: Japanese scientists develop universal solution for all blood types
Artificial blood isn't just theoretical anymore, it's real, and its potential is astonishing. Image: Imagine a world where blood shortages no longer cost lives. A world where emergencies in rural South African clinics or busy city hospitals aren't derailed by the lack of compatible blood for transfusions. Thanks to revolutionary research by Japanese scientists, this future may be closer than we think. A critical breakthrough in healthcare is unfolding: the development of artificial blood. This innovation, led by Hiromi Sakai and his team at Japan's Nara Medical University, has the potential to save millions of lives globally by addressing one of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, blood shortages. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading The blood supply crisis Blood transfusions are essential in healthcare, saving lives during surgeries, childbirth, trauma, and the treatment of severe illnesses. Yet, maintaining an adequate blood supply is a constant challenge, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like South Africa. The demand for O-negative blood, the universal donor type, is particularly high. This blood type can be used in emergencies for patients of any blood group, but its supply is often insufficient. The short shelf life of donated red blood cells makes the situation even more difficult, as they can only be kept for 42 days under refrigeration. The introduction of artificial blood could be a game-changer in ensuring that no patient is turned away due to a lack of compatible blood. A team of scientists in Japan have created artificial blood Image: Pavel Danilyuk/pexels The science behind artificial blood Artificial blood isn't just theoretical anymore; it's real, and its potential is astonishing. According to "Tokyo Weekender", Sakai's team has developed artificial red blood cells by extracting haemoglobin (the iron-rich protein that transports oxygen in the bloodstream) from expired donor blood. Here's how it works: Haemoglobin extraction: Haemoglobin is isolated from expired blood donations, ensuring no waste. Encapsulation: The haemoglobin is encased in a protective shell, creating stable, virus-free artificial red blood cells. Universal compatibility: Because these synthetic cells lack blood type markers, they're compatible with all blood groups; no cross-matching is required. The benefits don't stop there. Unlike donated blood, which requires refrigeration and has a short lifespan, artificial blood can reportedly be stored for up to two years at room temperature and five years when refrigerated. This could transform emergency response systems in remote areas where accessing fresh blood supplies is a logistical nightmare. Early trials have already demonstrated the potential of artificial blood. In 2022, Sakai's team conducted small-scale studies with 12 healthy male volunteers aged 20 to 50. The participants received intravenous injections of haemoglobin vesicles, which mimic the oxygen-carrying function of natural red blood cells. Mild side effects: A few participants reported mild symptoms, but no serious adverse effects were observed. Stable vital signs: There were no significant changes in blood pressure or other vital signs, indicating promising safety levels. Building on this success, the trials have entered a second phase as of March this year, with larger doses (100 to 400 millilitres) being administered to volunteers. If no significant side effects are observed, the research will shift to evaluating the efficacy and safety of artificial blood for practical use. The goal is to make this life-saving innovation widely available by 2030. Early trials have already demonstrated the potential of artificial blood. Image: Ivan Samkov/pexels
Tokyo Weekender
02-06-2025
- Health
- Tokyo Weekender
Japanese Scientists Develop Artificial Blood Compatible With All Blood Types
A critical component of healthcare, blood transfusions play a vital role in saving lives around the globe every day. Maintaining an adequate blood supply, though, is no easy task, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). The demand for O – negative blood — the universal donor type — often exceeds supply and donations have a limited shelf life. Looking to address the issue are a group of Japanese scientists led by Hiromi Sakai at Nara Medical University . They've developed a new type of artificial blood that can be used in patients of any blood type. The artificial blood is created by extracting hemoglobin — a protein containing iron that facilitates the transportation of oxygen in red blood cells — from expired donor blood. It is then encased in a protective shell to create stable, virus-free artificial red blood cells. As these artificial cells have no blood type, there is no need for compatibility testing. The synthetic blood can reportedly be stored for up to two years at room temperature and five years under refrigeration. That is a significant improvement over donated red blood cells, which can only be stored under refrigeration for a maximum of 42 days . Artificial Blood Trials Small-scale studies began in 2022. Three groups of four healthy male volunteers aged 20 to 50 received a single intravenous injection of hemoglobin vesicles — artificial oxygen carriers that mimic the structure of red blood cells — in increasing amounts, up to 100 milliliters. While some participants experienced mild side effects, there were no significant changes in vital signs, including blood pressure. Building on that success, Sakai announced that his team was accelerating the process last July. In March, it started administering between 100 and 400 milliliters of the artificial blood cell solution to volunteers. If no side effects are confirmed, the trial will shift to examin ing the treatment's efficacy and safety. It aims to put the artificial red blood cells into practical use by around 2030. While these studies are taking place, Professor Teruyuki Komatsu of Chuo University's Faculty of Science and Engineering is also working on the development of artificial oxygen carriers, using albumin-encased hemoglobin to stabilize blood pressure and treat conditions like hemorrhage and stroke. So far, animal studies have shown promising results. As a result, researchers are now eager to move to human trials. Related Posts Japanese Researchers Develop Peptide To Counter COVID-19 Viruses 'Flesh Eating' STSS Infections Reach Record Numbers in Japan Eating Disorders on the Rise in Japan
