1. Will Dextran-Hemoglobin do everything blood does?

No. Blood contains several vital components essential to the body, such as platelets, enzymes and albumin. Dextran-Hemoglobin does not contain any of these. However, the most important function of blood is delivering oxygen from the lungs to body tissue and organs. Lack of oxygen to the vital organs for even a short period of time can cause irreparable damage or death. Dextran-Hemoglobin is designed to deliver oxygen when oxygen delivery is disrupted because of an event such as injury, wounding or surgery. As the patient’s condition is stabilized, his/her body regenerates blood supply and the Dextran-Hemoglobin is metabolized and/or eliminated.

2. Is Dextran-Hemoglobin As Safe As Blood?

While blood can be tested for virus contamination, there are no known virus removal processes to address the presence of possible viruses. On the other hand, Dextran-Hemoglobin will be put through a purification process that virtually removes all viruses.

3. If You Need Hemoglobin From Blood To Make Dextran-Hemoglobin, What’s The Advantage of Dextran-Hemoglobin Over Blood?

Blood has a maximum shelf-life of 42 days. Dextran-Hemoglobin under refrigerated conditions will have a shelf life of about six months. The long shelf life will stabilize supplies and address the chronic shortages that are increasing throughout the world, including North America.

Dextran-Hemoglobin can be infused to patients regardless of blood type so no prior blood typing is necessary. This lessens critical time delay and lowers clinical costs. Moreover this means it can be used in the field by paramedics.

In the long run, it is anticipated that Hemoglobin supplies will be met through the scientific production. Several methods of producing hemoglobin have been established over the past two decades.

4. Why Will Dextran-Hemoglobin Succeed When Other Blood Substitutes Have Failed?

The difference is the molecular design of the oxygen delivery agent. Dextran-Hemoglobin is a conjugated molecule consisting of dextran and hemoglobin. The two are linked sub-atomically to create a rigorous molecule able to withstand the metabolic processes of the body. Animal tests indicate that dextran-hemoglobin is safe and stays in circulation for a comparatively prolonged period of time. For more on the advantages of Dextran-Hemoglobin, refer to the article of Dr. Wong and Dr. Blumenstein in the Product page.

5. Why Did the Developers Choose Dextran?

Dextran is a starch-like material that does not degrade rapidly in the body and has a long history of safety and efficacy in plasma expanders. When a patient suffers severe blood loss, his/her blood pressure drops and circulation is threatened as arterial walls constrict. In such a situation, the patient is infused with a fluid known as a plasma expander to restore blood pressure. The developers of Dextran-Hemoglobin reasoned that since dextran had stood the test of time as a therapy to assist the blood circulation system, it offered an excellent basis for a blood substitute.

5. Why Are Clinical Trials Taking Place In Thailand and Not in North America?

A number of reasons. First, blood supplies in that area of the world are severely contaminated and shortages are critical in certain regions. Second, the governments of these emerging economies are actively addressing the issues of population health care. Thirdly, the cost and time frames for obtaining regulatory approval in Thailand is significantly less than either Europe or North America.

6. Once Regulatory Approval Is Obtained In Thailand, Will You Be Permitted To Sell Dextran-Hemoglobin in North America or Europe?

No. Separate approvals will be required in Canada, U.S.A and Europe. Once safety and efficacy is established in Thailand, however, it is anticipated that the regulatory roads in these jurisdictions will be shortened. Dextro-Sang will start testing in these areas as advisable.