Terumo BCT, a global medical device company, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded initial funding of $1.9 million from the U.S. Government, with potential to extend the total sum up to $16 million. The funding will support the development of a freeze-dried plasma (FDP) product.
The method to manufacture the FDP product would remove water from the starting material using a process known as sublimation. The result is a powder that can be quickly and easily reconstituted to produce an instant plasma product with the therapeutic benefits as frozen plasma.
However, unlike other forms of plasma, FDP can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for long periods of time. It can be transported and quickly rehydrated, available at the point of use, potentially saving the lives of critically injured patients. Freeze-drying has also been used extensively in the pharmaceuticals industry to produce high-quality drugs with an extended shelf life.
“The funding for the FDP program represents another partnership between the U.S. Government and Terumo BCT for developing a product that can help trauma patients in both the military and civilian settings,” said Frank Corbin, Vice President, New Venture Technologies, Terumo BCT. “The product has utility to treat critically injured patients quickly and affords a way for blood plasma to be maintained in settings, where today keeping this product for prolonged storage or distribution is not possible. Terumo BCT is honored and excited to be recognized as a leader and innovator. Our approach has the potential to change the standard of care and make the plasma available to both soldiers and civilians at the point of injury.”
This project will be funded in whole with federal funds from the U.S. Government, under Contract No. H92222-16-C-0081.
About Terumo BCT
Terumo BCT, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis and cellular technologies, is the only company with the unique combination of apheresis collections, manual and automated whole blood processing, and pathogen reduction technologies. We believe in the potential of blood to do even more for patients than it does today. This belief inspires our innovation and strengthens our collaboration with customers.
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