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News release
TopLAKEWOOD, COLO., U.S.A., - August 18, 2021 - A system designed to add a layer of safety to the blood supply was recently approved in Canada to treat platelets in plasma.
Using riboflavin (vitamin B2) and ultraviolet light, the Mirasol® Pathogen Reduction Technology (PRT) System is designed to reduce the pathogen load of various disease-causing agents such as viruses, parasites and bacteria in blood products before they are transfused to patients. Mirasol also inactivates white blood cells to help reduce certain transfusion reactions.
Mirasol is designed to add an extra layer of safety to the blood supply. It is part of Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies' larger commitment to promote a safe, sustainable and adequate blood supply around the world. Mirasol is in routine use at more than 100 blood centers in over 20 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies makes products that collect, separate and process blood and cells. The company has customers in 130 countries. The recent Health Canada approval expands the reach of Mirasol.
"We believe everyone is entitled to a safe, sustainable and adequate blood supply. We work with hospitals, advocacy associations and governments to increase awareness and access to products, like pathogen reduction, that can improve patient outcomes. Now, blood centers in Canada have another option to do just that," says Michelle Marks, Director of Marketing, Blood Center Solutions, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. "We would also like to recognize Canadian Blood Services' participation in the PREPARES study which was used to support the registration."
Changing World = Emerging Pathogens
Pathogen reduction with Mirasol is one method to address emerging and evolving pathogens as the rate of epidemics increases, people travel and the global climate warms.
Two recent peer-reviewed studies showed that Mirasol reduced the titer of SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, to undetectable levels in both plasma and platelets. The data suggest that the process would be effective in reducing the theoretical risk of transfusion-transmitted SARS-CoV-2.1
About Mirasol
Mirasol is CE marked for platelets, plasma and whole blood and is in routine use in more than 20 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. The system is only for investigational research in the U.S.
About Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies
Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a medical technology company. Our products, software and services enable customers to collect and prepare blood and cells to help treat challenging diseases and conditions. Our associates around the world believe in the potential of blood and cells to do even more for patients than they do today. TERUMOBCT.COM
About Terumo
Terumo (TSE: 4543) is a global leader in medical technology and has been committed to “Contributing to Society through Healthcare” for 100 years. Based in Tokyo and operating globally, Terumo employs more than 30,000 associates worldwide to provide innovative medical solutions in more than 160 countries and regions. The company started as a Japanese thermometer manufacturer, and has been supporting healthcare ever since. Now, its extensive business portfolio ranges from vascular intervention and cardio-surgical solutions, blood transfusion and cell therapy technology, to medical products essential for daily clinical practice such as transfusion systems, diabetes care, and peritoneal dialysis treatments. Terumo will further strive to be of value to patients, medical professionals, and society at large.