Design and implementation of circulatory oxygen therapeutics derived from human hemoglobin by improved systematic chemical coupling and cross-linking

Blood collected for transfusions expires after 42 days of refrigerated storage. The oxygen-carrying component inside the cell is hemoglobin, which retains its potential utility. The proposed research will develop efficient processes to convert the recovered hemoglobin into a safe and effective material that can be used in place of red cells in transfusions and for drug delviery in circuiation. The research will develop chemical methods that convert hemogobin into a stable and effective oxygen carrier that is tested for safety and efficacy. The work is based on the principles of development of pharmaceuticals in which chemicals are improved based on the information obtained from the effects of specific materials. Those effects will be tested in an effective animal model by our collaborator at Harvard Medical School who is an expert in the effects that result from administration of red cell substitutes. The analysis of the materials will also include a detailed structural profile to define characteristics of safe and effective materials. The resulting materials will improve blood utilization as well as provide access to alternatives to whole blood in remote communities.

KLUGER, Ronald

University of Toronto

Canadian Blood Services-CIHR Partnership Operating Grant Program

Ontario

$192,039