Novel Ex Vivo Platelet Additive Could Improve Cold Storage

A novel platelet additive developed by Preservation Bio may enable cold storage of platelets up to 14 days while helping reduce the risk of bacterial contamination and product outdating. The advancement, detailed in a recent study published in Blood, could help address ongoing and significant challenges facing the platelet supply.

The novel platelet additive works by inhibiting RHOA GTPase, a protein implicated in cold storage-induced damage to platelets. By blocking RHOA activation, the additive prevents the biochemical and structural changes that normally occur during cold storage, preserving platelet functionality and reducing their clearance from the body.

The study showed that cold-stored platelets treated with these RHOA inhibitors retained their functionality and survival comparable to room-temperature stored platelets. This finding supports the potential for these platelets to be effective in transfusions, particularly for patients with thrombocytopenia, trauma or other conditions requiring platelet support.

Jose Cancelas, MD, PhD, CABP, a scientific co-founder of Preservation Bio and president of the AABB Foundation Board of Directors, emphasized the significance of the findings. "Our innovation represents a promising advancement in platelet storage that could address some of the most pressing challenges in transfusion medicine," Cancelas said. "By extending platelet shelf life and reducing the risk of contamination, our additive aims to enhance patient safety and ensure that every donation has the maximum impact, especially at a time when the blood supply is critically low."

Pampee Young, MD, chief medical officer of biomedical services at the American Red Cross and member of the AABB Board of Directors, also highlighted the impact of this advancement. “Traditionally, cold-stored platelets, known for their superior ability to stop bleeding, have been quickly cleared from the body, limiting their clinical use,” Young said. “But now, Preservation Bio's cutting-edge approach that inhibits RHOA activity has been shown to preserve the function and extend the lifespan of these platelets, making them viable for longer and safer use.”

AABB Foundation-Supported Investigators Transform Research

The AABB Foundation congratulates the research team, which included Cancelas, on its transformative research development and findings. In 2005, Cancelas received an AABB Foundation Early-Career Scientific Research Grant, and over the years, more than 200 researchers have been able to advance innovative research with funding support from the AABB Foundation.

An AABB Foundation grant is a milestone for many investigators, often marking the beginning of their career trajectories. To learn more about this year’s grant application or to make a financial gift that supports critical early-stage research and the future leaders of the field, visit aabb.org/foundation.