TS-075238 — 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