Zuben Sauna, Ph.D., principal investigator in CBER’s hemostasis laboratory, and chemist Wells Wu, Ph.D., are exploring the shapes of proteins used in medical treatments to determine why they prompt a strong reaction from the body’s immune system. Suspecting that the shapes may be part of the problem, the researchers are using tiny pieces of DNA-like molecules called aptamers to probe the proteins. Hemostasis is the process of getting bleeding to stop and the antibodies that cling to these proteins are causing life-threatening complications, particularly in the treatment of bleeding disorders.

Scientists at FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) work to facilitate the development of safe, effective treatments that would neutralize biological threats to public health and security. CBER regulates preventive and therapeutic vaccines, blood and blood products, human cell and tissue-based products, gene therapies and xenotransplantation. To learn more, read this FDA Consumer Update:

• FDA Teams Prepare for Biological Threats