Cerus - The INTERCEPT Blood System

The INTERCEPT Blood System

The INTERCEPT Blood System is a new approach to blood safety designed to reduce the risks from bacteria, viruses and parasites, as well as harmful leukocytes, in donated blood components. It is the first pathogen inactivation system approved in Europe to treat both platelets and plasma for transfusions. The INTERCEPT Blood System is also being developed for the treatment of red blood cells.

The INTERCEPT Blood System uses Cerus’ Helinx technology to crosslink the nucleic acids present in susceptible pathogens, blocking replication and preventing their proliferation. The treatment process simultaneously inactivates donor leukocytes, white blood cells that can pose risks for transfusion recipients. The INTERCEPT Blood System inactivates a broad range of pathogens for which tests exist, but which may not be altogether effective. It also offers the potential to inactivate untested-for and emerging pathogens, before they become a major transfusion risk to patients.

The INTERCEPT Blood System is designed to be simple and to fit within the operations of the world's blood centers. The system includes a UVA light source and a sterile disposable set pre-filled with Helinx inactivation compounds. The INTERCEPT Blood System for platelets and plasma employ amotosalen HCl, which is activated to form crosslinks using an ultraviolet light source. The INTERCEPT Blood System for red blood cells utilizes S-303, which is activated by the change in pH created by the introduction of red blood cells into the disposable set.