Chirodoc: regarding your initial post on PFC"S:
<<<<<Although the first set of trials of Fluosol DA were lethal to the rats it was tested on (it caused embolism),11 a second series of tests resolved this problem, and a final version of Fluosol DA was developed in 1978.9 Skepticism about the safety of the product has remained high, and after many tests by the FDA, it has only recently been licensed to aid in oxygen delivery during coronary artery balloon angioplasty.10 However, the market for blood substitutes for angioplasty is rather small(about 3% of the total market), making it difficult for companies to turn a profit. The two companies leading the way in regards to perfluorocarbon research are HemaGen in St. Louis, Missouri, and Alliance Pharmaceutical Corporation, which is based in San Diego, California. Of the two Alliance is the farthest ahead in terms of testing PFC's in new areas other than angioplasty; as of May 1993 they were already conducting clinical trials on human subjects.12 Perfluorocarbons are not without their flaws. PFC's can only be removed from the body via the lungs. Because of this, there is a great possibility that they may accumulate in other body organs such as the liver and spleen.5 In addition, there is some evidence that the body's immune system will attack the emulsifying agent which may cause headaches and other side effects.5 PFC's have been shown to increase the patients risk of infection, though it is anticipated that this will be eliminated with futher research.>>>>
1) Alliance began testing five years ago on human subjects, while SGNC has not begun testing on animals yet. Even if those tests were unsuccessful, I assume they learned something from them. It would seem that SGNC is far behind the curve.
2) The FDA has only recently approved the use of Fluosol DA for angioplasties after "many tests"... how many years did it take for them to approve it for that use? Looks like at least 15 years. Would there be a similar wait for all-purpose use?
3)Meanwhile, the profit picture for the existing market looks bleak. |
