Bayer takes Trasylol to phase III

Bayer Pharmaceuticals has launched a phase III clinical study of the drug Trasylol.

The trial is aimed testing the safety and efficacy of the drug in reducing blood loss and the need for transfusion in adult patients undergoing elective spinal fusion surgery.

Dr Michael Neuwirthlead investigator of the study said: “Blood loss can be a significant complication of spine surgery.

“Combined with the potential health risks associated with transfusions and the rising cost of blood products, there is a great need to reduce bleeding in this surgical setting.”

He added: “Trasylol has been proven safe and effective in reducing blood loss and transfusion requirements in coronary artery bypass surgery, and we are studying the drug to determine if it may play a similar role in spinal fusion surgery.”

Spinal surgery involving the fusing of bones leads to a blood transfusion rate of six times greater than that of spinal surgery without fusion.

The trial will involve over 450 patients receiving Trasylol or a placebo at almost 40 centres across the US.

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