James Harrison, Known As ‘Man with the Golden Arm’, rare blood donations saved millions of newborns from a deadly blood disorder, researchers Now strive to replicate his unique antibodies for future generations.
One of the world’s most remarkable blood donors, James Harrison, whose plasma helped save over 2.4 million babies, has passed away at the age of 88.
Harrison, known as the “Man with the Golden Arm,” died peacefully in his sleep at a nursing home in New South Wales, Australia, on February 17, his family announced on Monday.
A Life-Saving Legacy
Harrison’s blood contained a rare antibody, Anti-D, used to create medication for pregnant mothers at risk of their blood attacking their unborn babies. His commitment to donating blood plasma regularly from the age of 18 until he was 81 made him a national hero in Australia.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service, known as Lifeblood, paid tribute to Harrison, recognizing his unparalleled contributions. He had pledged to become a donor after undergoing a major chest surgery at 14, during which he received life-saving blood transfusions.
Record-Breaking Blood Donor
Harrison held the world record for the most blood plasma donated in 2005, a title he maintained until 2022 when a U.S. donor surpassed him. His selflessness helped countless families, including his own, his daughter, Tracey Mellowship, and two of his grandchildren received anti-D immunizations.
“He was very proud to have saved so many lives, without any cost or pain,” Mellowship said. “He always said it does not hurt, and the life you save could be your own.”
The Science Behind Anti-D
Anti-D injections prevent a deadly condition known as haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN). This disorder occurs when a mother’s blood is incompatible with her baby’s, triggering an immune response that can lead to severe anaemia, heart failure, or even death.
Before anti-D treatments were introduced in the 1960s, one in two babies diagnosed with HDFN did not survive. Today, fewer than 200 anti-D donors exist in Australia, but their contributions help protect approximately 45,000 mothers and babies annually.
The Future of Anti-D Therapy
Scientists are now working to replicate anti-D antibodies in the lab using blood and immune cells from Harrison and other donors. Lifeblood and researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research hope lab-made anti-D will one day provide a global solution for at-risk pregnancies.
“Creating a new therapy has long been a ‘holy grail’,”
said David Irving, Lifeblood’s research director. He emphasized the challenge of finding dedicated donors who can consistently produce the antibodies in high enough quantities.
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