CytoSorbents Corporation (CTSO)

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Blood-Filtering Ebola Device Ready for Testing
Posted in Research and Development by Kristopher Sturgis on November 13, 2014
A new Ebola treatment device known as the Aethlon Hemopurifier is scheduled to begin U.S. clinical trials by the end of this year, after receiving the green light for trials from the FDA. The device received significant backing following news of a German patient suffering from Ebola that was declared free of the virus, and on the road to a complete recovery.
In a recent news release from Aethlon Medical Inc, the company describes the device as a first-in-class biofiltration device that targets the rapid elimination of viruses and immunosuppressive proteins from the circulatory system of infected individuals. Currently, there is no active antiviral therapy or vaccine that has proven to be effective against the Ebola virus in humans, which could make the Aethlon Hemopurifier an important treatment option.
The device is essentially a blood-filtering cartridge containing “affinity” agents that attract and capture specific viruses and immunosuppressive proteins. The filter works by hindering the virus’s ability to replicate while allowing the immune system to react and rebound. The device made waves when doctors in Germany reported last week that a patient infected with Ebola had recovered after he was treated with the device in conjunction with other therapies, including antiviral drugs.
The device can be easily hooked up to a dialysis machine and quickly begins to eliminate the circulation of viruses to inhibit growth, as well as directly targeting secreted glycoproteins that can overwhelm the immune system response. The device proved to be an effective treatment despite the patient suffering from multiple organ failure as result of the Ebola virus.
Despite the overwhelming nature of the virus’s recent rise, the increased attention has catalyzed both innovation and action. Not only have hospitals around the globe been forced to revisit their procedures for handling a possible Ebola patient, but the increased sense of danger has sparked innovation and accelerated the need for cutting edge solutions in diagnostics and treatment options.
As for the clinical trials for this new treatment device, the company said they will be based on FDA approval of an Investigational Device Exemption, which if approved, could essentially help the company fast track the device from trials to actual practical use. The study will also contribute safety data to advance the device, so it could be used to fight pandemic threats from Ebola, as well as other chronic viral pathogens such as HIV and hepatitis C.
Aethlon announced in a news release that the treatment data resulting from the administration of the device to a patient suffering from Ebola will be presented Friday, November 14 at the American Society of Nephrology’s annual meeting, during a special session on Ebola and dialysis. The data will include the results of patient viral load measurements taken before and after the administration of the Aethlon Hemopurifier.
For now, the potential applications for this device are still being explored, as researchers believe the device could be useful across a broad spectrum of viruses, and possibly even as a treatment option for certain cancers. While the concern over the spread of Ebola continues to rise, this new device could be the first real innovative solution to stifle the spread of Ebola and other dangerous viral pathogens.
http://www.qmed.com/news/blood-filtering-ebola-device-ready-testing