INTERCEPT Platelets (Cerus Corporation)

INTERCEPT Platelets are pathogen-reduced blood components produced using the INTERCEPT Blood System, developed by Cerus Corporation. The technology utilizes amotosalen, a photoactive compound that intercalates into the double-stranded regions of DNA and RNA. Upon exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) light, amotosalen forms covalent cross-links between nucleic acid strands, effectively inactivating a broad spectrum of viruses, bacteria, and parasites, as well as contaminating donor leukocytes. This process prevents pathogen replication and reduces the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) and transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD). INTERCEPT Platelets are indicated for transfusion in patients requiring platelet support, providing a safety layer against emerging pathogens like Chikungunya and Dengue viruses.

Brand names

INTERCEPTINTERCEPT Platelets

Other names

INTERCEPT Platelet ComponentsPathogen-reduced plateletsAmotosalen-treated platelets