Granulocytes have a short circulating half-life due to apoptosis.
This makes ex vivo granulocyte preservation difficult following the collection and separation of whole blood into its components. We are pleased that the NIH has recognized Idun's leading science in the area of apoptosis regulation. We believe that granulocyte preservation has potentially important implications across various conditions and that our ability to preserve this important cell type further acknowledges apoptosis research as an area of study with significant therapeutic and commercial implications. Research by Idun and other scientists has demonstrated that apoptotic pathways are critical to the genesis of many diseases including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders and cardiovascular disease. As research advances, the potential of apoptosis regulation as a mechanism of intervention to combat these diseases becomes more apparent.