#United States #Velico #FrontlineODP #Beverly #Our Blood Institute

Our Blood Institute Joins Forces with Velico for Blood Center Education Program

In an exciting development for emergency medical services, Our Blood Institute (OBI) has joined Velico Medical, Inc. to participate in the innovative Blood Center Education Program (BCEP). This strategic collaboration underscores the commitment both organizations share towards enhancing blood transfusion protocols for emergencies.

OBI, recognized as the sixth-largest independent blood center in the U.S., is eager to evaluate Velico’s cutting-edge FrontlineODP™ (On Demand Plasma) system. This system is designed for spray drying plasma and aims to improve prehospital blood transfusion effectiveness. With OBI’s involvement, the program aims to collect crucial insights regarding the integration of this technology into existing blood component production processes, which could substantially impact lives in emergency situations.

Richard Meehan, President and CEO of Velico, expressed his enthusiasm about this collaboration: "This partnership underscores a shared commitment to innovation, education, and improved emergency preparedness in the critical field of prehospital blood transfusion." He believes that the FrontlineODP™ technology will not only enhance the resilience of the U.S. blood supply but will be a vital tool in emergency medical services.

Contrasting with traditional plasma products, which often require refrigeration, the FrontlineODP™ system allows for plasma to be conveniently stored at room temperature in flexible plastic bags. It can be rehydrated with sterile water for injection (SWFI) and made ready for transfusion in just about two and a half minutes. This groundbreaking technology is tailored to meet urgent needs in challenging medical situations, be it in hospital emergency rooms, rural health care settings, or on the frontlines tackled by emergency responders and military personnel.

Dr. John Armitage, the president and CEO of OBI, highlighted the urgency of this initiative: "Saving lives is the core of our mission at OBI. We recognize that 'every second counts' when treating patients with heavy bleeding, and we are honored to help advance this technology, which can transform emergency medical response for various agencies."

The need for innovative solutions in treating preventable death from hemorrhages is profound and pervasive. It has been identified as a key concern by trauma surgeons, emergency medical personnel, and military strategic planners alike. By developing partnerships with a range of stakeholders — from civilian to governmental and military leaders — Velico is strategically positioning itself to support emergency medical environments worldwide.

Currently under investigation, the FrontlineODP™ system has not yet received FDA approval for general use, further emphasizing the program's focus on pushing the boundaries of existing medical technologies in blood management. Velico acknowledges that the funding for this development program has been partly provided by federal resources associated with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.

Founded in Beverly, Massachusetts, Velico Medical aims to eliminate preventable deaths from bleeding, demonstrating a commitment enriched by significant expertise in transfusion medicine and device development. Their focus on innovation aligns seamlessly with OBI’s mission to deliver high-quality blood products and save lives across Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas — areas where OBI currently operates donor centers.

As OBI engages with this transformative education program, the potential integration of the FrontlineODP™ system could redefine emergency medical protocols, thereby fostering a new era of medical preparedness that assures quicker access to essential blood products when they are needed most. Both organizations are committed to meticulously analyzing the system's operational aspects to ensure successful implementation in various healthcare facilities and emergency response units.

In summary, the partnership between Our Blood Institute and Velico Medical represents a significant leap forward in blood center education. OBI’s involvement in the BCHP signifies a proactive approach to integrate innovative technology into clinical practices, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality and efficiency of emergency medical interventions, and bolster the overall resilience of the nation's blood supply.