James Harrison is credited with saving the lives of 2.4 million babies. His plasma contained a rare antibody called anti-D, which is used in medications to prevent haemolytic disease of the fetus & newborn #HDFN, aka #RhesusDisease, a potentially dangerous disease for unborn babies. His plasma is now being studied to create a synthetic version to prevent future deaths of unborn babies.

https://www.npr.org/2025/03/03/nx-s1-5316163/james-harrison-blood-donor

#FutureOfMedicine

#JamesHarrison died

Who was James Harrison?

From age 18 to 81, every 2 weeks, he donated blood #plasma (unpaid)

He had the world record until 2022

The twist:

James' blood had high levels of Anti-D

#AntiD protects fetuses from Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn- the mother and fetus have immunological incompatibility

Before the 1960s, 50% of babies diagnosed with #HDFN died

James Harrison, over his life, saved *2.4 million* babies

#RIP

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y4xqe60gyo

#Australia