From Sciencedaily
TORONTO, July 25 (UPI) -- Canadian researchers said a mouse study suggested a red blood cell substitute based on human hemoglobin might lead to new sickle cell disease treatments.

The scientists -- led by Dr. Mark Crawford of the Hospital for Sick Children at the University of Toronto -- said a newly developed hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier called HRC 101 dramatically improved survival in mice with "sickled" red blood cells exposed to low-oxygen conditions.

Patients with sickle cell disease need frequent blood transfusions to treat anemia and other complications, the researchers noted. Although such transfusions are beneficial, they have several short- and long-term risks.

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