Compositions and methods for preserving or increasing platelet function
Inventors
Thomas, Kimberly • Shea, Susan • Spinella, Philip
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12616192-B2
Publication Date
2026-05-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of compositions and methods for platelet storage supplementation with an amino acid, such as taurine.
Core Innovation
The patent describes that platelet storage has a limited shelf-life and that conventional platelet storage involves platelet additive solutions that do not include an amino acid, where taurine is presented as an amino acid to supplement platelet storage or a platelet additive solution. The document provides a rationale for taurine supplementation during cold storage, including discussion that taurine depletion occurs during storage and that taurine/hypotaurine metabolism and glutathione relate to platelet function during cold storage.
The patent further describes that supplementing platelets with taurine or a functional derivative thereof during storage increases hemostatic and aggregation function and improves shelf-life. It reports experiments using a flow-based functional measurement to assess platelet occlusion and occlusion area under the curve (OAUC), and it states that taurine supplementation during storage shortened time-to-occlude and increased microfluidic occlusion and/or occlusive area under the curve on day 7 and day 14 compared with non-supplemented controls.
Mechanistically, the patent links the observed functional improvements to mitochondrial stabilization during storage. The document describes that taurine supplementation can stabilize platelet mitochondria, and it relates this mitochondrial stabilization to improved platelet function and increased shelf-life during extended cold storage.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies two independent claims that cover a platelet composition stored at 0 to 8 °C containing taurine or a functional derivative, and a method of storing platelets prior to administration by contacting platelets with a platelet additive solution containing taurine or a functional derivative and storing the treated platelets at about 0 to 8 °C for at least 2 days.
Taurine-supplemented platelet composition for cold storage
A composition comprising isolated platelets and about 650 µM to about 1000 µM of taurine or a functional derivative thereof, wherein the composition is stored at about 0 to 8 °C.
Taurine-supplemented platelet additive solution for storing platelets prior to administration
A method of storing platelets prior to administration into a subject, the method comprising providing platelets, providing a platelet additive solution comprising about 250 µM to about 1000 µM taurine or a functional derivative thereof, contacting the platelets and the platelet additive solution to form treated platelets, and storing the treated platelets for at least 2 days at about 0 to 8 °C.
Across the two independent claims, the central inventive concept is contacting or formulating isolated platelets with taurine or a functional derivative within specified micromolar ranges in a platelet composition or additive solution, followed by cold storage in the 0 to 8 °C range for at least 2 days or as a stored composition.
Stated Advantages
Increases hemostatic and aggregation function of platelets.
Improves shelf-life during cold storage.
Increases microfluidic occlusion and/or occlusion area under the curve (OAUC).
Shortens time-to-occlude on day 7 and day 14 compared with non-supplemented controls.
Stabilizes platelet mitochondria during storage.
Documented Applications
Use of the disclosed stored platelets for administration into a subject.
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