amustaline

Amustaline (S-303) is a nucleic acid-targeted alkylator developed for pathogen inactivation in red blood cell (RBC) concentrates. The technology uses amustaline (S-303) and glutathione (GSH) to crosslink and inactivate nucleic acids of pathogens and leukocytes within RBC units, thereby preventing replication of viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and leukocytes. This process reduces the risk of transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases and transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease. Amustaline rapidly penetrates cell membranes due to its amphipathic nature and intercalates into helical regions of nucleic acids; it then forms cross-links via a bis-alkylating group. After reaction or decomposition, it yields a nonreactive byproduct called S-300[1][3][4][5][6]. The system was developed by Cerus for use with the INTERCEPT Blood System platform[6]. Clinical studies have shown that RBCs treated with amustaline are equivalent to conventional RBCs regarding hemoglobin content and safety profile[2][3].

Brand names

INTERCEPT Blood System