Repetitive Administration of Hemoglobin Raffimer in Experimental Models and Clinical Applications

Hemoglobin (Hb)-raffimer (Hemolink) is an oxygen therapeutic based on human Hb that is intramolecularly and intermolecularly crosslinked with o-raffinose. Hb-raffimer appears to be free of severe toxicity, as shown in a variety of topload/repeat dose preclinical animal studies. In addition, Hbraffimer does not appear to be immunogenic. Limited information is available on the acute and chronic effects of high volume infusion in animals and on responses to repeated dosing in human subjects. Hb-based oxygen therapeutics have not been tested in a wide variety of possible indications. In conclusion, Hb-raffimer and other oxygen therapeutics could be potentially life saving in certain clinical situations. Current and future clinical trials will evaluate expanded indications and dosing regimens.