Problem

Low titer group O whole blood (LTOWB) is the gold standard used by the US military to treat blood loss. However, there is a limited supply with ex vivo storage and shelf-life limitations. There is no whole blood substitute on the market when LTOWB is not available.

Solution

Dr. Andre Palmer and team have developed several whole blood substitute formulations to mimic the 3 main functions of whole blood: 1) oxygen transport (provided by hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier [HBOC]); 2) clotting (provided by tranexamic acid); and 3) volume replacement (provided by a plasma substitute).

• The HBOC consists of T-state polymerized human hemoglobin (PolyhHb).
• The clotting agent consists of tranexamic acid (TXA).
• The volume replacement solution consists of polymerized human serum albumin (PolyHSA).
• Additional additives include high molecular weight polyethylene glycol as a drag reducing agent, and dexamethasone as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Applications

• Prehospital and austere environments
  • Used by EMS and military for early resuscitation before hospital arrival

• Hospital trauma protocols
  • Used for first-line transfusion in exsanguinating patients

Advantages

• Mimics the three major functions of whole blood without the risk of blood type incompatibility and disease transmission
• Extended shelf life versus whole blood
• Scalable production

Seeking opportunities for out-licensing and collaboration