UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report

(Date of earliest event reported): July 16, 2009

BIOPURE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE

000-15167

04-2836871

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

(Commission File Number)

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

11 HURLEY STREET

CAMBRIDGE, MA 02141

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(617) 234-6500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

¨	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

¨	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

¨	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(d))

¨	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

ITEM 1.03.

Bankruptcy or Receivership

On July 16, 2009, Biopure Corporation (the “Company”) filed a voluntary petition for relief (the “Bankruptcy Filing”) under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts (the “Bankruptcy Court”). The Company will continue to operate its business and manage its properties as debtor in possession under the jurisdiction of the Bankruptcy Court and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and orders of the Bankruptcy Court.

The Company’s Chapter 11 case is administered by the Bankruptcy Court as Case No. 09-16725-FJB.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

BIOPURE CORPORATION

Date: July 16, 2009

/s/ Zafiris G. Zafirelis

Zafiris G. Zafirelis

President and Chief Financial Officer

BIOPURE CORP 8-K