Development and Commercialisation of PVC- DEHP Free Blood Packs To Ensure Appropriate Control Of Red Cells

ended

Blood transfusion saves lives and improves health, but many patients requiring transfusion do not have timely access to safe blood. Currently, all commercially available blood bags are manufactured using Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and a plasticizer called Di (2-ethylyhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP). DEHP is classified as a reproductive toxin and is listed in the Reach candidate list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). DEHP-PVC bags are affecting our environment and our health adversely. 1. Through this 24 months FTI project Ducit Medical, Ireland along with our development partners Global Polymer Consulting, Ireland , Keifel Technologies Germany and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service Scotland are developing a complete blood pack system ‘ACORN-BP’ which is PVC and DEHP free, thereby, reducing the threat posed by DEHP and which has no detrimental effect on the storage of red blood cells up to 42 days storage stability in-line with European Council guidelines. Once developed and accredited, ACORN-BP will be commercialised as a direct replacement of PVC-DEHP bags. Using the direct sales force model, we will target capturing 10.9% of the global PVC-DEHP blood pack market through a cumulative sales of <27million blood bags. This will generate cumulative revenues of >€216 million in the first five years, with a cumulative net profit of ~€65.60 million across the consortium. The ROI against total project costs of €3.53 million is ~18:1.