Development Of Artificial Blood Continues Amid Setbacks; Big Potential Upside; Northfield CEO sounds hopeful that fake blood will soon be available.(HEALTH & MEDICINE)(Q & A)

Publication: Investor's Business Daily

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Byline: AMY REEVES

If you're in danger of bleeding to death, you don't want to waste any time.

That's why for 35 years scientists have been trying to create artificial blood.

Donated blood, now the mainstay, might not be available at the scene of an emergency. It also has a short shelf life, might not be the right type for the patient, and is dependent on the kindness of those who donate it.

The search for fake blood has been as littered with corpses as any disaster scene.

Many companies have tried and failed when the product proved toxic to patients. The highest-profile failure probably came from Baxter International, which dropped its efforts in 1997.

Still, a few companies...

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