HES - From maize to infusion

The main application field of Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) is volume therapy, where it helps to improve the rheological properties of human blood.

 

In Linz the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) HES is manufactured out of pure maize starch. The supplied starch is modified in a controlled chemical process under strict surveillance. This modification adjusts the ability of the molecule to decompose under physiological conditions. Subsequently the chains of the natural polymer are cut to the desired length in a chemical degradation process. In the final step, the product is carefully purified, dried in a clean room and immediately packed in containers.

The high quality of our HES production is regularly confirmed by inspections performed by our customers and regulatory authorities. Production complies with the EU GMP and US cGMP standards. Strict quality control is the basis for our company's position as one of the world's major supplier of HES API.
The infusion solution produced from HES is used as a plasma expander in volume therapy and for cryoconservation. It is routinely used in emergency medicine to stabilize the cardiovascular system, or for shock treatment and blood replacement.

The HES containing product developed by Fresenius Kabi is based on a new and patented type of HES with particular favourable properties. A constantly growing number of doctors favour the use of this new type of infusion solutions.