Safety profile of high molecular weight polymerized hemoglobins

Background Hemoglobin (Hb)‐based oxygen (O2) carriers (HBOCs) are being developed as alternatives to red blood cells and blood when these products are unavailable. Clinical trials of previous HBOC generations revealed side effects, including hypertension and vasoconstriction, that were not observed in preclinical studies. Large molecular weight (MW) polymerized bovine Hb (PolybHb) represents a new class of HBOC with promising results. We evaluated the safety profile of PolybHb after an exchange transfusion (ET) in guinea pigs (GPs). This study compares changes in indices of cardiac, inflammatory, and organ function after ET with high (R‐state) and low (T‐state) O2 affinity PolybHb with high MW. Study Design and Methods Guinea pigs underwent a 20% ET with PolybHb. To assess the implication of PolybHb ET on the microcirculation, hamsters instrumented with a dorsal window chamber were subjected to a similar volume ET. Results T and R‐state PolybHb did not induce significant alterations in cardiac function. T‐state PolybHb induced mild vasoconstriction shortly after transfusion, while R‐state did not have acute effects on microvascular tone. Conclusion Large MW PolybHbs were found to be safe and efficacious in increasing O2 carrying capacity and the O2 affinity of the PolybHb did not affect O2 delivery or extraction by tissues in relevant preclinical models. In conclusion, these results suggest that both T‐state and R‐state PolybHb are safe and do not impair O2 delivery. The results are encouraging and support further evaluation of high MW PolybHbs and their future feasibility compared to allogenic blood in a trauma model.