How INTERCEPT Works

The INTERCEPT Blood System for platelets, plasma and red blood cells is based on our proprietary Helinx technology for pathogen inactivation.

The INTERCEPT Blood System for platelets and plasma employs the unique properties of our amotosalen HCl molecule to block the replication of DNA and RNA, preventing the proliferation of susceptible pathogens. For red blood cell pathogen inactivation, a similar treatment process has been developed using a different molecule called S-303.

Platelets and red blood cells are not inactivated by the crosslinking process because they do not require nucleic acids to function.  Plasma is not inactivated by the treatment because it is an acellular product (proteins and liquid). 

Controlled Reaction
The interaction of amotosalen and S-303 with DNA and RNA is highly specific and occurs with high frequency even at low concentrations of nucleic acids.  Once inside a pathogen, the compounds dock in between the nucleic acid base pairs.  Upon illumination with ultraviolet A light (amotosalen) or a change in pH (S-303), an interstrand crosslink is formed, "locking" the DNA or RNA together so that they can no longer replicate.  These reactions require specific conditions to activate the Helinx compounds, and the compounds will not form crosslinks without the appropriate UVA light or pH change.

 

Blocking the Reproduction of Pathogens by Crosslinking DNA and RNA

Pathogen Inactivation Technology. The INTERCEPT Blood System for platelets and plasma uses the small molecule amotosalen HCl, which penetrates cells and pathogens and targets DNA and RNA.  Once docked inside DNA and RNA, amotosalen is activated by ultraviolet light to form a chemical crosslink that locks-up the strands of nucleic acid, blocking replication.  The INTERCEPT Blood System for red cells uses a different molecule (S-303) that forms crosslinks when activated by a change in pH.  Treated pathogens are inactivated by the process and can no longer multiply and cause disease.  

Broad Spectrum of Inactivation
The crosslinking activity of amotosalen and S-303 is not limited to particular nucleic acid sequences or specific families of pathogens, so unlike testing procedures this blood safety method does not rely upon advance identification of potentially harmful organisms. The replication of a broad spectrum of viruses, bacteria and parasites, as well as leukocytes, can be inactivated with these treatment processes.