INTERCEPT Platelets

INTERCEPT Platelets is a pathogen reduction system developed by Cerus Corporation for treating platelet components intended for transfusion. The system utilizes a photochemical treatment process involving amotosalen (a psoralen derivative) and ultraviolet A (UVA) light to inactivate a broad spectrum of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Amotosalen intercalates into the double-stranded regions of DNA and RNA; upon activation by UVA light, it forms covalent crosslinks that prevent nucleic acid replication and transcription, rendering pathogens non-infectious while preserving platelet therapeutic function. The system is designed to mitigate the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) from established threats like HIV and hepatitis, as well as emerging pathogens such as Chikungunya and Dengue viruses. The TRUE (TReatment UsE) Study was a significant prospective observational study conducted in Puerto Rico under an Expanded Access Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) to evaluate the safety of INTERCEPT platelets in regions with high risk for Chikungunya and Dengue virus transmission.

Brand names

INTERCEPTINTERCEPT Blood System

Other names

INTERCEPT Platelet ComponentsINTERCEPT PCs