Aethlon Medical Unveils Promising Hemopurifier Device for Combatting H5N1 Bird Flu
Aethlon Medical's Hemopurifier and Its Potential Against H5N1 Bird Flu
In recent weeks, Aethlon Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: AEMD), a company dedicated to developing innovative therapies for serious health issues, has shared an important update regarding its investigational device, the Hemopurifier. This development comes in light of rising concerns surrounding the H5N1 avian influenza virus, commonly known as Bird Flu, which has been reported in humans across multiple states, leading to a state of emergency declaration in California.
What is the Hemopurifier?
The Hemopurifier is an advanced extracorporeal medical device that aims to eradicate enveloped viruses and extracellular vesicles from the bloodstream. It operates through a unique mechanism that combines plasma separation, size exclusion, and affinity binding using a resin infused with the plant lectin Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA). Enveloped viruses, including H5N1, have mannose—a specific sugar—on their surface, making them potential targets for the Hemopurifier's functionality.
Recent Inquiries and Experimental Results
Following alarming reports of H5N1 infection, Aethlon has experienced an influx of inquiries about the potential utility of the Hemopurifier in countering this virus. Notably, a laboratory study conducted by Battelle labs found that a scaled-down version of the device effectively removed 99% of the H5N1 virus from cell cultures after just six hours of treatment. This groundbreaking outcome showcases the promising potential of the Hemopurifier as a therapeutic option for formidable viral threats.
Patient Treatment and Breakthrough Designation
While the Hemopurifier has not been directly utilized to treat H5N1-infected patients, it has been employed in trials involving 38 patients across 164 treatment sessions targeting other severe conditions such as hepatitis C, HIV, COVID-19, and Ebola. It's worth noting that the Hemopurifier has received a