FDA OK's platelet storage solution

WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it has approved the first solution to replace a portion of plasma used when storing blood platelets.

Blood components called platelets that help with blood clotting are stored in donor plasma. But about 65 percent of that plasma can now be replaced with the newly approved InterSol platelet additive solution, thereby allowing some of the donor plasma to be used for other purposes, the FDA said.

Platelets are used to prevent or treat bleeding in individuals undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, after major trauma during or after surgery, as well as in individuals who do not produce platelets. The FDA noted InterSol solution doesn't have a therapeutic effect by itself, but acts to provide nutrients and an appropriate environment in which to store platelets for up to five days.

"The approval of InterSol is a significant step in the development and marketing of novel processes for the storage of platelets," said Dr. Karen Midthun, acting director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.

InterSol is manufactured by Fenwal Inc. of Lake Zurich, Ill.