Dr. Anand Srivastava, Chairman and Co-Founder of GIOSTAR, recently spoke with Dianemarie Collins of The DMZone. They touched on many topics, including GIOSTAR’s research into the ability of stem cells to differentiate into mature red blood cells.
Blood transfusion is a vital component of the healthcare system in the United States. American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) notes that in the United States, a patient is treated with a blood transfusion every 2 seconds. GIOSTAR has developed the technology to manufacture type O negative blood cells.
This pioneering innovation may potentially address three main challenges with blood donation:
1. Worldwide shortage of blood supply
As Dr. Anand and Deven Patel observed in their discussion with Dr. Amy Killen, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an indescribable impact on the general population. This includes a dramatic drop in the number of blood donations throughout the country. “We are doing everything in our power to ensure that we don’t get to critical levels of blood supply,” warned Chris Hrouda, President of Biomedical Services, American Red Cross. Roughly 272 million units of blood are collected globally, which amounts to a shortfall of 100 million donations. Mass production of red blood cells through stem cells has the potential to close the gap between supply and demand.
2. Matching blood type
There are eight major blood types. Type O negative is compatible with all blood types, and can therefore be used for transfusions related to myriad surgical procedures. This is the rarest of the blood types, and is seen in only 7% of the population worldwide.
3. Chance of transferring disease through red blood cells
This includes:
- Bacterial infections (i.e., urinary tract infection, strep throat), which occurs in 1 of 30,000 cases
- Viral infections (i.e., hepatitis, HIV)
GIOSTAR Research Into Stem Cells and Blood Cells
Dr. Anand has conducted extensive research on stem cell science over the past two decades, at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Throughout his career, he has introduced many significant innovations that changed the face of regenerative medicine.
- 2003: while working at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine, he observed the mechanism for stem cells to differentiate into blood cells. Leveraging this insight, he was able to produce blood cells in the laboratory.
- 2006: Dr. Anand worked with a team of researchers to publish a paper about differentiation into red blood cells, for which GIOSTAR received a patent through UCSD.
What’s Next?
GIOSTAR is working on production of blood cells in the bioreactor for masses. The company is looking for partners and applying to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other agencies to help further this initiative, to make this innovation available to the public. “Our focus has always been the masses,” concluded Dr. Anand.
How Can We Help You?
GIOSTAR has been a pioneer in stem cell therapy and research since its founding 12 years ago. Leveraging more than two decades of groundbreaking research by Co-Founder and Chairman Dr. Anand Srivastava, GIOSTAR has helped thousands of patients around the globe suffering from various degenerative diseases and orthopedic conditions.
Learn more about how we might be able to help you by calling (844) 446 7827, emailing (info@giostarchicago.com), or completing this brief form
