Hemopure represents a new option for managing patients’ oxygen requirements. In June 2001, Biopure began shipping Hemopure to South Africa for use in a pre-launch medical education program. These educational seminars provide continuing professional development credits and have been well received by more than 100 participating surgeons, anesthesiologists and pathologists from public, private and military hospitals.

While doctors are experienced in the utilization of conventional blood products, most have no prior training or experience in the clinical use of hemoglobin-based oxygen therapeutics. This education program introduces doctors to the unique physiology and pharmacology of Hemopure and the clinical use of this drug in surgery patients with acute anemia.

This Spring, the South African physician education program will be expanded to increase the medical community's awareness of the proper use of Hemopure prior to the product's commercial launch later this year.