Transforming Trauma Care: The Breakthrough of Dried Plasma
In the realm of emergency medicine, speed and availability are paramount. Unfortunately, statistics show that around 42% of hemorrhaging car crash victims succumb to their injuries despite the prompt arrival of emergency services. The key issue at hand is not solely the speed of treatment but the unavailability of essential life-saving blood products—specifically plasma—at the point of care. This urgent demand has led to innovative advancements in medical technology, exemplified by Velico Medical's recent breakthrough with its FrontlineODP™ Spray Dried Plasma.
The First-in-Human Safety Trial
Velico Medical, based in Beverly, Massachusetts, has successfully completed its Phase I multi-center clinical trial, where FrontlineODP™ was administered to healthy volunteers in a dose-escalation study. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with no serious adverse events reported, showcasing the safety and potential of this new product. Dr. Mark Popovsky, Chief Medical Officer at Velico, emphasized,
"This trial marks the beginning of a new era in plasma therapy... a truly transformative tool for treating trauma in both civilian and battlefield conditions.”
The essence of this innovation lies in its unique formulation. The FrontlineODP™ Spray Dried Plasma is not only lightweight and easy to transport, but it is also designed to be transfusion-ready in just 2.5 minutes. This rapid deployment capability could significantly enhance the efficacy of emergency responses in critical situations.
Addressing a Global Plasma Shortage
The timing of this innovation couldn't be more critical. The global supply of dried plasma is alarmingly low, with fewer than 30,000 units available worldwide, concentrated mainly in select regions. This scarcity poses a significant threat to both national and global health security, especially in scenarios characterized by conflict or natural disasters, where the demand for plasma can surge rapidly.
FrontlineODP™ aims to remediate this issue through its decentralized production model. By ensuring accessibility to this crucial product in areas where it is desperately needed, Velico seeks to create a sustainable and resilient plasma supply chain. One of its standout features is its shelf-stability of up to 24 months, allowing for long-term storage without compromising efficiency.
Richard Meehan, CEO of Velico, succinctly stated the urgency of the situation:
“Current limited supply of dried plasma requires a new solution. This is about preparedness and sovereignty.” By investing in domestic plasma production capabilities now, nations can avoid being unprepared when the next health crisis occurs.
Recognition in the Medical Community
Following the promising findings of their clinical trials, Velico's FrontlineODP™ will be featured as a plenary presentation at the upcoming Association for the Advancement of Blood Biotherapies (AABB) Annual Meeting. This platform allows Velico to demonstrate the relevance and potential impact of their dried plasma technology in the field of transfusion medicine.
It's important to note, however, that the FrontlineODP™ Spray Dried Plasma System has not yet received FDA or EU approval and is currently classified for investigational use only. As regulatory bodies review this innovative product, the anticipation for its market availability grows.
About Velico Medical
Founded with a mission to eliminate preventable deaths caused by bleeding, Velico Medical merges advanced technology with clinical expertise. The company collaborates with blood center leaders, trauma surgeons, emergency medical professionals, military medics, and first responders worldwide to ensure preparedness in critical emergency situations. For more details about their ongoing initiatives and product developments, visit
Velico Medical.
In conclusion, the innovation heralded by Velico Medical through FrontlineODP™ may very well reshape how we approach trauma care in emergencies. As we look to the future, it is innovations like these that promise to enhance our capabilities in saving lives when it matters most.