Creating specialized red blood cells from stem cells for better blood transfusions
Official title: Manufacturing Process Intensification for Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Rare Red Cell Production
Funded at Safi Biotherapeutics INC · NIH-11068660 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on creating special red blood cells from stem cells to help doctors find the right blood for patients needing transfusions, especially those with sickle cell disease, making transfusions safer and more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Safi Biotherapeutics INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $568,264 |
| NIH project number | 1R41HL178144-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11068660 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients requiring blood transfusions, especially those with sickle cell disease or other conditions that complicate transfusion compatibility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not require blood transfusions or have no history of alloimmunization may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a method to produce specialized red blood cells (RBCs) from pluripotent stem cells. These designer RBCs will be used in laboratories to help identify antibodies in patients who need blood transfusions, particularly those with conditions like sickle cell disease. The approach combines advanced stem cell technology and gene editing to create RBCs with unique profiles that can improve the safety and effectiveness of transfusions. By providing a renewable source of these cells, the research aims to address complications like alloimmunization that can arise during chronic transfusion therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the safety and compatibility of blood transfusions for patients with complex antibody profiles.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using stem cell-derived blood products, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in transfusion medicine.
Where this research is happening
-
Safi Biotherapeutics INC
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, Rob — Safi Biotherapeutics INC
- Study coordinator: Thomas, Rob
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.