Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies (Terumo BCT) has announced funding support for a multi-center clinical trial aimed at reducing complications from acute chest syndrome (ACS) in adult patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). Researchers at Henri Mondor University Hospital in France will lead the trial, known as ARCAD, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of early goal-directed automated red blood cell exchange compared to manual exchange.
ACS is a serious complication of SCD and the leading cause of hospitalization and death among adults with the disease. Currently, there is no standard treatment to halt ACS, which often requires prompt intervention. The ARCAD trial seeks to establish high-level evidence to inform management recommendations for severe ACS.
The study aims to determine if automated red blood cell exchange can facilitate a quicker resolution of ACS and reduce adverse events during hospitalization. This could potentially lower morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs associated with prolonged hospital stays for SCD patients. If successful, automated red blood cell exchange may become part of the standard treatment for severe ACS in France and beyond.
Koenraad Dierick, vice president of patient access at Terumo BCT, expressed the company’s commitment to advancing care for SCD. “Supporting the research of Dr. Mekontso Dessap and his team at Henri Mondor, who likely treat more SCD patients in their ICU than any other hospital in Europe, is a key part of our mission to expand access to this treatment and ensure that more patients benefit from automated red blood cell exchange,” he said.
The trial is significant as France has the highest prevalence of SCD patients in Europe, estimated at 30,000 individuals.
Lakewood-based Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies develops products, software and services that assist in collecting and preparing blood and cells to treat challenging diseases and conditions.
