Work

Blood Pharming of Red Cells

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: The transfusion of blood is an indispensable and irreplaceable component of contemporary medicine. Nevertheless, particularly in patients with very rare blood groups, the lack of blood products still represents a significant health problem on a global scale. In order to address this shortage, strategies for producing artificial blood substitutes have been pursued for a period of time exceeding 60 years. Summary: This overview synthesizes the latest advancements in the field of erythropoiesis, encompassing the expansion strategies for erythrocyte cells, the diverse sources of ex vivo-expanded erythrocytes, the impediments to clinical implementation, the prospective applications, and alternative blood products. Conclusions: Ex vivo generation of red blood cells (RBCs) has advanced from proof-of-concept to early clinical testing, yet scalable, cost-effective manufacturing remains unresolved. Continued optimization of cell sources, immortalized progenitor lines, and bioreactor technologies, alongside deeper mechanistic insights into terminal erythropoiesis and enucleation, will be key. Integrating these advances within rigorous regulatory frameworks could ultimately enable standardized, universally compatible RBC products.

Source: Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy

DOI: 10.1159/000552465

Authors: Romy Kronstein-Wiedemann, Desiree C. Brändle, Stephan R. Künzel, Torsten Tonn

Institutions: German Red Cross, Technische Universität Dresden, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital Frankfurt

Language: English

Topic: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Subfield: Hematology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,670