The analytical and process development lab team developed a novel formulation, a “next generation” polymer of
hemoglobin that is large enough to prevent extravosation, or leakage out of the blood vessels, which causes
them to constrict. The patented formulation is designed not only to deliver oxygen but to have viscosity
properties and osmotic properties similar to blood to protect the blood vessels and avoid fluid shifts – all issues
seen with previous HBOC generations which were not approved. The team developed a highly reproducible
scalable manufacturing process designed to yield a room-temperature stable product and enable transfer to a
contract manufacturer, saving time and reducing manufacturing facility costs. That transfer has now occurred!
First product – in vivo:
VirTechBio has developed OxyBridge™ for treatment of hemorrhagic shock. OxyBridge is a concentrated
hemoglobin solution containing 100 grams of hemoglobin per Liter, which carries nearly as much oxygen as fresh
whole blood. Human hemoglobin is ultra-polymerized in a patented process to form a megapolymer which
circulates for many hours, restoring oxygen delivery to critical tissues. Initial clinical studies with this product are
planned for 2024.
Third product – Veterinary:
A polymerized hemoglobin product was approved by FDA for veterinary use 25 years ago and rapidly adopted by
veterinary surgeons, but the manufacturer is no longer in business. VirTechBio is developing a similar product to meet the needs of veterinary surgeons and for field use in the military’s K-9 soldiers. Although OxyBridge™ has been tested in animal models of hemorrhage successfully, and may be utilized for the military’s K9 soldiers, the eventual veterinary product is expected to be a smaller polymer of hemoglobin than OxyBridge and will be less expensive to produce.
VirTechBio is an early-stage biotech company based in Natick, MA. The Company has developed a proprietary HBOC solution for in vivo applications like severe blood loss and such ex vivo applications as supporting organs prior to transplant. Our team of scientists, engineers and industry veterans are committed to delivering a universal HBOC solution to fulfill significant unmet medical needs and save lives when minutes matter. It’s About Time.