“The hope is that red blood cells grown in our laboratory will live longer than cells from blood donors,” said lead investigator Cedric Ghevaert Professor at the University of Cambridge and NHS Blood and Transplant.
In the world’s first clinical trial in Britain, people were given lab-prepared blood by scientists. If it proves to be safe and effective, the manufactured blood cells could revolutionize timely treatment for people with a rare blood disorder, the researchers said. The scientists said some people with disorders like sickle cell and rare blood types find it difficult to get enough donated blood. This can prove to be a boon for such people.
“The hope is that red blood cells grown in our laboratory will live longer than cells from blood donors,” said lead investigator Cedric Ghevaert Professor at the University of Cambridge and NHS Blood and Transplant.
Developed from stem cells of blood donors
The team of researchers from the University of Cambridge in the UK said that the blood cells were developed from the stem cells of donors. It was transferred to healthy volunteers. Two people have so far been given red blood cells prepared in the lab. These are being monitored, so far no unwanted disorders have been seen in them. In this trial, the lifespan of lab-grown cells is being studied compared to transfusion of red blood cells from the same donor.
Those who have regular blood transfusions will need less blood transfusion
The scientists said that if our test is successful, it would mean that patients who currently require regular long-term blood transfusions will need fewer blood transfusions in the future. This will allow them to be taken better care of.
