Hemopure

Hemoglobin glutamer is a chemical cross-linking by means of glutaraldehyde prepared from hemoglobin macromolecule as an oxygen carrying solution for the treatment of blood deficiency ( anemia ) and the oxygen supply (ischemia) is developed. Depending on the initial species and degree of polymerization hall, the following variants:

  • Hemoglobin glutamer 250 ( bovine) with an average molecular weight of 250,000 daltons ( Hemopure ® for use in human medicine, Biopure Corporation)
  • Hemoglobin glutamer 200 ( bovine) with an average molecular weight of 200,000 daltons ( oxyglobin ® for use in veterinary medicine, Biopure Corporation)
  • Human hemoglobin glutamer 256 with an average molecular weight of 256,000 daltons ( PolyHeme ®, Northfield Laboratories)

Mechanism of action

The solution from the oxygen carrier ( hemoglobin -based oxygen carrier, HBOC ) hemoglobin glutamer in modified Ringer 's lactate solution is infused intravenously. After infusion of the crosslinked hemoglobin molecules circulate in the plasma, and carry oxygen - regardless of the red blood cells. Thus, it has an identical effect, however, is smaller, less viscous and are oxygen to tissues more quickly and easily than normal hemoglobin free. So that it can operate even when red blood cells can develop no effect due to stenosis in the blood vessels or due to a low blood pressure. A special feature is that it is effective within a few minutes, while showing the effects of Erythropoetingabe only after several weeks.

Veterinary medicine

Oxyglobin is approved in the U.S. since 1998 and in the EU since 2004 to treat the clinical signs of anemia in dogs. This can alternatively be treated by blood transfusions, which due to the insufficient availability of donor blood is very limited in Europe.

Oxyglobin is intended for single use only and may dogs that were previously treated with oxyglobin not be administered.

Human Medicine

As a first means of its product class (first- in-class product ) Hemopure is since 2001 registered in South Africa for the treatment of acute anemia in adults (eg, perioperative ) if a blood transfusion is not possible ( temporary donor blood substitute). Nevertheless, it is there applied only rarely. In Europe and the U.S., Hemopure is currently in clinical trials ( Phase 3).

PolyHeme is made from human hemoglobin, wherein the native tetramer is first modified with pyridoxine and then polymerized with glutaraldehyde. PolyHeme has been studied in clinical trials, however, refused in April 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food and Drug Administration, developed by the U.S. biotech firm Northfield Laboratories artificial blood substitute PolyHeme admission. Northfield Laboratories presented then his work on the project PolyHeme from a destitute.

Misuse as a doping agent

Through Facilitated oxygen transport Hemopure is inserted into endurance sports doping agents. Compared to EPO but it acts within minutes and receives its effects over several hours, so it can also be injected immediately before a competition. Possible side effects include immune reactions leading to shock. Bengt Saltin, director of the Danish Anti -Doping Association, already confirmed in August 2000 in the Spiegel interview the application as a doping agent ("I have sources confirm to me that riders have doped at the last Tour de France with Hemopure " ). Meanwhile Hemopure is biochemically detectable.

On July 20, 2007, the U.S. mountain bikers Whitney Richards explained that he had intended to transport 2002 for the professional cyclist Michael Rasmussen Hemopure to Italy.

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