Fresenius Kabi to support therapeutic apheresis and cell therapy research

Fresenius Kabi has announced the launch of a US research award scheme to support the advancement of photopheresis and red cell exchange.

The company is seeking applicants for a grant of $100,000 (62,100 pounds) to carry out studies in the fields of therapeutic apheresis and cell therapy, two areas of potentially significant promise in terms of patient care.

Photopheresis therapy involves using advanced blood-separation techniques to introduce light-activated drugs to the blood, while red cell exchange centres on removing and replacing a patient's red cells using specialised blood-separation equipment and medicines.

The former has applications in the treatment of rare cancers and immune disorders, while the latter can be used to treat sickle cell disease and similar conditions.

William Cork, executive vice-president and chief technology officer for Fresenius Kabi's medical devices division, said: "Fresenius Kabi, along with its Fenwal subsidiary, are committed to supporting innovative science that provides hope through the advancement of photopheresis and red cell exchange."

The company also announced this week that it will be expanding its production capacity in Austria to help meet rising demand for generic intravenous drugs.