Japan Starts Clinical Trials For Artificial Blood Which Is Compatible With All Blood Types

Japanese scientists have begun conducting clinical trials to test artificial blood.

Developed by researchers at Nara Medical University, the blood is designed to be compatible with all blood types, can be stored for up to 2 years at room temperature, and may help save lives when donor blood isn’t available.

Whilst the first transfusions took place back in March, the world is now watching to see whether this new technology can help combat one of the world’s biggest healthcare shortages.

 

Why We Need It

 

Around the world, hospitals are constantly faced with shortages of safe blood ready to transfuse. But it’s not just the amount of blood shortages that are the issue, but the type of blood too.

O negative blood, for example, is constantly in demand due to the fact that all blood types can take O negative blood, and yet those who are O negative can only take their own type.

According to the World Health Organisation, more than 118 million blood donations are collected every year – but 40% of that comes from high-income countries, which make up just 16% of the world’s population.

This leaves a huge gap, particularly in In low and middle-income countries. Even worse is the fact that human blood needs to be kept cold – which is a huge issue for rural areas and countries with lack of access to reliable power.

And blood is hugely important to medical care. Emergencies, childbirth, trauma, surgeries, and chronic illnesses all rely on having the right blood at the right time.

Japan’s artificial blood could massively reduce this shortage, especially in countries where blood is less readily available or during times of disaster or conflict.

 

How The Artificial Blood Works

 

The artificial blood, which was developed by Professor Hiromi Sakai and her team, works by taking expired donor blood and extracting the haemoglobin – a molecule responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells.

This haemoglobin is then placed in a shell, designed to mimic the behaviour of red blood cells but without markers – making them compatible with all blood types and less likely to be immuno-rejected.

This is then transfused into the patient, allowing them to effectively pump oxygen around their bodies again.

But another huge feature is the shelf life. These artificial red blood cells can be stored for 2 years at room temperature and up to 5 years when refrigerated. This is a huge increase from traditional donated blood, which has to be used within 6 weeks and kept cold.

Another big change is the colour. This artificial blood is actually purple – a little different from the deep red that we are used to seeing.

So, what have they actually created?

A universally compatible blood product which can last longer than donor blood and can be deployed and stored anywhere. Pretty cool, right?

 

 

Bringing The Blood To Market

 

The first trials around this artificial blood started in 2022, where 12 healthy volunteers were injected with a small quantity of the artificial haemoglobin vessels. Aside from some small side effects like fever and rash, there were no major reactions, which was viewed as a positive step forwards.

Following this, in March 2025, Nara Medical University launched a new trial, injecting larger amounts of the blood into a new group. Whilst the trial is still ongoing, preliminary results are looking good, with the team hoping to be approved for widespread usage by 2030.

 

Other Startups Pioneering Artificial Medical Ideas

 

Japan’s artificial blood project is just one example of a larger push from biotech startups looking to find new ways to combat healthcare challenges.

Some other examples include:

 

KaloCyte

 

 

KaloCyte is developing a red blood cell substitute called ErythroMer, which is a dried, artificial red blood cell to trat blood loss when cells are in short supply.

Like the Japanese model, ErythroMer uses modified haemoglobin and is able to be stored for long periods of time.

 

Hemarina

 

 

UK-based startup Hemarina is learning from nature, centring around the haemoglobin found in a marine worm – that is not encased within red-blood cells.

Whilst still in testing stages, this could be a new way to get people blood quickly in emergency situations.

 

Carmat

 

 

Carmat in France is pioneering other parts of artificial organ development with its artificial heart. Aimed to help people with heart failure who may need heart transplants, Caramat is developing a solution that is universally compatible, helping people with heart disease live a normal life.

 

Could Artificial Blood Be On The Horizon?

 

The potential impact of Japan’s artificial blood trials is huge, helping more people access usable blood worldwide.

The ability to use it on all blood types, store it as room temperature for years and transport it easily could completely revolutionise the world of healthcare.

As clinical trials roll on, it will be interesting to see whether artificial blood could become accessible worldwide by 2030.

 

Sources: Newsweek, MedEdge, Tokyo Weekender