Human trials of manufactured blood within two years

Blood cells grown in culture (reticulocytes)

The first human trials of lab-produced blood to help create better-matched blood for patients with complex blood conditions has been announced by NHS Blood and Transplant. Research led by scientists at the University of Bristol and NHS Blood and Transplant, used stem cells from adult and umbilical cord blood to create a small volume of manufactured red blood cells.

It is hoped that when the production of this lab-produced blood is successfully scaled up, it will offer an alternative to specialist patients with blood disorders such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia who require treatment with regular transfusions and for whom it is difficult to find compatible donors.

The clinical trial of manufactured red blood cells is designed to compare the survival of red cells manufactured from stem cells with that of standard blood donor red blood cells. This will involve a group of 20 volunteers who will receive a small volume transfusion of between five and ten mls of the lab-produced blood.

Dr Ashley Toye from Bristol's School of Biochemistry, who worked alongside Professor Dave Anstee from NHS Blood and Transplant Blood on the project, said: "This announcement is an important stage in progressing this pioneering research. There are a small number of patients with complex blood disorders for who NHSBT sometimes finds it difficult to find matched blood. We hope to enable NHSBT to provide these patients with an alternative compatible blood product in the future."

Dr Nick Watkins, NHS Blood and Transplant Assistant Director of Research and Development, said: "Scientists across the globe have been investigating for a number of years how to manufacture red blood cells to offer an alternative to donated blood to treat patients. We are confident that by 2017 our team will be ready to carry out the first early phase clinical trials in human volunteers.

"These trials will compare manufactured cells with donated blood. The intention is not to replace blood donation but provide specialist treatment for specific patient groups.

"Research has laid the foundation for current transfusion and transplantation practices. Continued investment in research and development is critical to our role in saving and improving lives through blood and organ donation. Our five-year research and development plan will ensure we advance treatment of all who depend upon our products and services."

NHS Blood and Transplant has already set ambitious targets for organ and blood donation. The 2020 research and development plan focuses investment in experimental medicine to support these. The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has committed 12.1 million funding for three NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Units.

The NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Units will be embedded within a top university, and, in partnership with NHS Blood and Transplant, will focus on rapid translation of research findings into routine practice in blood donation and in transplantation of stem cells and organs. A decision regarding a possible fourth NIHR Blood and Transplant Research Unit is expected soon.

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Human trials of manufactured blood within two years