Cerus: Good enough

The concept of a platelet pathogen inactivation system seems simple - kill viruses, bacteria and leukocytes while leaving platelet function and number intact. Cerus Corp.'s European Phase III trial of its Intercept pathogen inactivation system missed some of its primary end points related to platelet counts. But the company believes it knows why, and believes the results won't hinder European marketing approval.

CERS and partner Baxter Healthcare Corp. (BAX, Deerfield, Ill.) thus do not expect to wait for results from their ongoing 600-patient U.S. Phase III trial before making a European regulatory submission by year end...