According to Cerus, the Intercept blood system is designed to reduce the risk of transfusion-transmitted diseases by inactivating a broad range of known and emerging pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and parasites, as well as harmful white blood cells that may be present in donated blood intended for transfusion. The system inactivates pathogens using a illumination device, process and active compound.
The Intercept blood system is designed for easy integration with routine blood center operations, and treated platelets are approved for storage up to seven days according to local guidelines, the company said.
Claes Glassell, president and CEO of Cerus, said: “Cerus commends the Service Francophone du Sang on their commitment to providing improved protection for platelet transfusion recipients. We believe the Belgian Red Cross chose to sign a contract with us prior to finalization of official governmental reimbursement because of the safety benefits inherent in the Intercept blood system. This is another key development in the commercialization of the Intercept blood system in Europe.”