What are the Challenges and Risks Associated with HBOCs?

Despite their potential benefits, HBOCs are not without risks and challenges:
1. Side Effects: Clinical trials have reported various side effects, including hypertension, oxidative stress, and tissue damage due to the free hemoglobin in HBOCs.
2. Regulatory Hurdles: Given the potential risks, HBOCs must undergo rigorous testing and approval processes. Regulatory agencies like the FDA have been cautious in approving these products for widespread use.
3. Cost: The production of HBOCs can be expensive, which may limit their accessibility, especially in low-resource settings.