RESTORE clinical trial
In 2021, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) started a first-in-human clinical trial of red blood cells grown in the laboratory from adult donor blood stem cells. This trial is called RESTORE (REcovery and survival of STem cell Originated REd cells).
The trial will test how long a mini blood transfusion, up to 2 teaspoons (about 10 ml), of these laboratory grown red blood cells, lasts in the body compared with the same amount of standard red blood cells from the same donor.
Location
The study is taking place at the Clinical Trials Unit at Addenbrookes’ Hospital Cambridge and the cells are being made at NHSBT Filton, Bristol.
Donors and participants
We are inviting blood donors in the Cambridge area to provide donations for this clinical trial. Volunteers in the Cambridge area who have blood groups that match those of the selected blood donors are being invited to take part in RESTORE.
These volunteers receive two mini transfusions spaced at least four months apart to find out if the young red blood cells made in the laboratory last longer than the cells made in the body.