#United States #Vitalant #Velico #Beverly #Blood Services

Vitalant Partners with Velico for Innovative Blood Services

In a significant move aimed at revolutionizing blood services, Vitalant, the largest independent nonprofit blood provider in the United States, has joined forces with Velico through its Blood Center Education Program (BCEP). This collaboration seeks to integrate innovative spray dried plasma production into Vitalant's operations, facilitating enhanced emergency response capabilities.

The BCEP Initiative

Velico’s initiative underscores the urgent need for effective blood products in critical situations. Through the BCEP, Vitalant will be gaining firsthand experience with Velico’s FrontlineODP™ Spray Dried Plasma System. This state-of-the-art technology aims to empower regional blood centers by equipping them with the means to produce and deliver spray dried plasma efficiently.

The FrontlineODP™ is particularly noteworthy due to its ability to provide life-saving plasma for transfusions at the point of injury, be it in emergency situations, hospital settings, or even battlefield environments. Traditional blood products often face logistical challenges in such scenarios, but the powdered plasma product produced by Velico is designed to be stable at room temperature and can be rapidly reconstituted with sterile water, making it transfusion-ready in about 2.5 minutes.

Perspectives from Leaders

Richard Meehan, the President and CEO of Velico Medical, expressed immense satisfaction regarding this new collaboration. He stated, "We are thrilled that Vitalant has embraced the BCEP program and joined our mission to reduce preventable deaths from bleeding. The FrontlineODP™ has the potential to be a game-changing, lifesaving solution for emergency medical services, especially in underserved rural areas and on the battlefield."

Meanwhile, Dave Green, President and CEO of Vitalant, reinforced the strategic alignment of this partnership with their mission to deliver lifesaving blood whenever and wherever needed. He noted, "Participating in BCEP aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing essential blood services. As a leader in transfusion medicine, we’re continuously looking for advancements that will enhance the quality and availability of our services."

Why This Matters

The integration of Velico’s technology with Vitalant’s resources represents a pivotal development in the field of transfusion medicine. With approximately 5,000 blood, platelet, and plasma donations required daily to sustain patient care across 900 hospitals nationwide, the potential for better plasma production and distribution represents a significant advancement in medical capabilities.

Velico's proprietary spray drying technology can produce powdered plasma that not only meets the immediate needs of patients but also addresses logistical challenges inherent in maintaining the viability of blood products in various environments. The BCEP program promises to enhance both the efficiency and accessibility of life-saving blood products in emergencies.

Looking Ahead: A Future of Innovative Collaboration

As the FrontlineODP™ Spray Dried Plasma System continues to undergo evaluation, it remains in the investigational phase without FDA approval. However, the collaboration between Vitalant and Velico sets the stage for innovative medical solutions that could reshape how emergency medical services operate under dire circumstances.

This partnership is heralded as a step toward eradicating preventable deaths due to bleeding, showcasing how collaboration between leading entities in transfusion medicine can result in lifesaving advancements for all.

For further information about Vitalant's commitment to quality blood services or to schedule a donation, visit vitalant.org or call 877-25-VITAL (877-258-4825). Follow them on social media for updates on their impactful work as they strive to meet the needs of patients effectively.