Cerus Corporation announced it will showcase positive clinical data from its INTERCEPT Blood System at the 35th Regional International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) Congress, being held May 31 to June 4, 2025, in Milan. The presentations highlight significant advances in pathogen reduction technology across multiple blood components.
Phase 3 Trial Success in Red Blood Cells
The company will present positive results from its Phase 3 ReCePI study in red blood cells, marking a significant milestone for the INTERCEPT system's expansion beyond its current approved applications. Richard J. Benjamin, Cerus' chief medical officer, emphasized the importance of these findings, stating that the data underscores "the broad applicability of the INTERCEPT system for platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitated fibrinogen complex as well as the potential benefit for red blood cells."
Clinical Efficacy Across Blood Components
Among the key presentations, Cerus will share data demonstrating reduced hemoglobin use with amustaline/glutathione pathogen-reduced red cells in complex cardiac surgery through results of a randomized, controlled Phase III trial. The company will also present findings on INTERCEPT treated cold stored platelets, showcasing distinct platelet subpopulations with specific functional properties.
Pathogen Inactivation Capabilities
The clinical data includes evidence of effective inactivation of California encephalitis virus using the INTERCEPT system, demonstrating the technology's broad pathogen reduction capabilities. Additional presentations will cover the use of INTERCEPT platelet concentrates in France, examining their impact on adverse events, platelet use, and inventory management.
Pediatric and Specialized Applications
The congress presentations will include safety and efficacy data for INTERCEPT treated platelets transfused to mature and premature neonates, expanding the evidence base for pediatric applications. The company will also present research on surface-bound acridine as a novel marker to track entire units of transfused pathogen-reduced red cells in sickle cell patients.
Current Market Position
The INTERCEPT Blood System for platelets and plasma remains the only pathogen reduction system with both CE mark and FDA approval for these blood components globally. In the United States, the INTERCEPT Blood System for Cryoprecipitation is approved for producing Pathogen Reduced Cryoprecipitated Fibrinogen Complex, used for treating and controlling bleeding associated with fibrinogen deficiency.
The INTERCEPT red blood cell system is currently under regulatory review in Europe and in late-stage clinical development in the United States, with the Phase 3 results representing a crucial step toward potential approval.
