Copenhagen University Research Team to Secure Safe Blood Transfusions

A research team from Copenhagen University led by Henrik Clausen has identified enzymes that can eliminate antigens from the blood. Antigens in the red blood cells in blood type A and B can cause life threatening reactions in people with antibodies. The discovery of enzymes to eliminate antigens means that the blood from donors with blood types A, B, and AB can be transformed into blood type 0, which can be used in all patients.

Currently the American medical company, Zymequest, is further developing the enzymes for commercial use. The discovery has been published in the scientific journal "Nature".

For further information please contact:

Henrik Clausen,

Professor

Tel: +45 35 32 77 97

Email: hc@imbg.ku.dk

Or visit: www.ku.dk