Reducing Pathogens in Transfused Platelets

A clinical trial has been initiated to study the effect of a pathogen-reduction system on transfused platelets in thrombocytopenic patients. The study of the system will be performed in France and will take 12-18 months to complete.

Called Mirasol, the system is a product of Navigant Biotechnologies (Lakewood, CO, USA). The company's goal is to provide a system to reduce blood-borne pathogen risks and increase the availability and safety of the world's blood supply. The Mirasol pathogen reduction technology system uses riboflavin and light to reduce the pathogen load in blood products. The system is safe and inexpensive. Moreover, the process is effective in vitro on a broad range of viruses, bacteria, and parasites in all three major blood components: platelets, plasma, and red blood cells.

The first clinical trial using platelets was completed in the year 2004. In that study the recovery and survival of platelets after treatment with Mirasol was compared to those of untreated platelets in healthy subjects. In the current trial the study group will consist of patients who have been transfused with Mirasol-treated platelets, and the platelet counts will be monitored after each transfusion. Patients will also be monitored for adverse events. The objective is to ensure that Mirasol maintains adequate platelet performance in a clinical setting, and that the treated platelets prevent or stop bleeding in patients as efficiently as current therapies.



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