Tokyo, Japan – In a groundbreaking step towards alleviating the global blood shortage, Japan has initiated clinical trials for a blood-type-independent artificial blood product. Nara Medical University began administering the artificial blood to 16 healthy adult volunteers in March 2025, marking a significant milestone in the quest for a universal blood substitute.
According to a report by Kyodo News on June 1st, the volunteers received between 100 and 400 milliliters of the artificial blood. Initial data regarding potential side effects is still being collected. The research team, led by Professor Hiromi Sakai, plans to move to the next phase of testing, focusing on efficacy and safety, if the first phase reveals no significant adverse reactions.
The development of artificial blood aims to overcome the limitations of traditional blood transfusions, including the risk of infection, blood type incompatibility, immune reactions, and short shelf life. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over 118 million blood donations are collected globally each year. However, low-income countries often face severe shortages, leading to preventable deaths, particularly in cases of trauma, surgery, and childbirth. Artificial blood holds the potential to significantly reduce mortality caused by supply constraints.
Professor Sakai’s team has engineered the artificial blood using hemoglobin vesicles. These vesicles are created by extracting hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying molecule, from expired donated blood (over three weeks old) and encapsulating it in a lipid coating. This process mimics natural red blood cells, allowing for effective oxygen transport without blood type markers, ensuring universal compatibility and eliminating the risk of viral transmission.
Similar trials were conducted in Japan in 2022 to assess the oxygen-carrying capacity of the artificial blood. Some participants experienced mild side effects such as fever or rashes, but recovered quickly. Experts emphasize that artificial blood offers unique advantages beyond blood type compatibility. Its small size allows it to penetrate areas blocked by strokes or blood clots, potentially improving treatment outcomes for these conditions.
The ongoing clinical trials represent a crucial step towards realizing the promise of artificial blood. If successful, this innovation could revolutionize healthcare by ensuring a stable and universally compatible blood supply, ultimately saving countless lives worldwide.
References:
- IT Home News. (2025, June 3). 日本启动无血型通用人工血液临床试验，目标缓解全球血液短缺 [Japan launches clinical trials of blood-type-free universal artificial blood to alleviate global blood shortages]. Retrieved from [Insert Original Article Link Here if Available]
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Blood safety and availability. Retrieved from [WHO Official Website]
Note: Since the original article is from a Chinese source (IT Home), and I don’t have the exact URL, I’ve indicated where it should be inserted. The WHO reference is a general example and should be replaced with a specific WHO report on blood donation if available.
Views: 1