Our Blood Institute Collaborates with Velico's Education Program
In a significant development for the medical field, Our Blood Institute (OBI), recognized as the sixth-largest independent blood center in the nation, has entered a collaboration with Velico to participate in the innovative Blood Center Education Program (BCEP). This program aims to offer strategic blood system partners firsthand experience with the pioneering FrontlineODP™ (On Demand Plasma) system, designed for spraying drying plasma. OBI will assess how this advanced system can be integrated into their blood component production operations while providing vital feedback on its commissioning and operational functionalities.
Understanding FrontlineODP™ Technology
The FrontlineODP™ system is poised to revolutionize emergency medical response. By efficiently addressing critical blood supply needs, this technology is expected to enhance the resilience of the U.S. blood supply. Richard Meehan, President and CEO of Velico, articulated the shared commitment to advancing education and preparedness in dealing with prehospital blood transfusion challenges. He emphasized how this partnership marks a vital step towards life-saving advancements in emergency medical services.
Significance of the Collaboration
Dr. John Armitage, President and CEO of Our Blood Institute, highlighted the essence of their mission to save lives quickly, especially in scenarios involving severe bleeding. With the philosophy that every second counts in such emergencies, OBI is dedicated to fostering the development of this crucial technology. Their involvement signifies an exciting endeavor to reshape emergency medical responses, particularly for emergency medical services (EMS), military personnel, and others who are often on the frontline of care before patients reach hospitals.
Features of FrontlineODP™
FrontlineODP™ offers remarkable advantages when it comes to treating preventable death from hemorrhage due to trauma, positing itself as a primary concern for trauma surgeons, healthcare providers, and military governments globally. Velico is committed to ensuring that this innovative technology continues to evolve in response to these critical needs. Stored in flexible plastic bags, FrontlineODP™ requires only 200 ml of sterile water for injection to be rehydrated and ready for transfusion within approximately 2½ minutes, a significant speed advantage over traditional plasma products.
Broader Applications and Future Prospects
Unlike conventional plasma products which necessitate refrigeration, FrontlineODP™ can be maintained at room temperature, thereby increasing its accessibility in various challenging environments such as emergency rooms, rural care facilities, and on-field applications by EMS professionals. It is specifically designed for managing medical and traumatic hemorrhage in circumstances where standard plasma is either unfeasible or impractical for use. The system is still undergoing investigation and has not yet received FDA approval for any specific medical indications, emphasizing that ongoing research is crucial for its future success.
About Velico Medical
Velico is a pioneering private medical technology company that actively aims to eliminate preventable deaths attributed to bleeding. With its headquarters in Beverly, Massachusetts, Velico possesses vast expertise in transfusion medicine and medical device innovations. The company focuses on building partnerships with a range of stakeholders including blood center leadership, trauma surgeons, emergencies medical physicians, military personnel, and first responders across the globe. Their ongoing efforts remain committed to advancing life-saving technologies.
About Our Blood Institute
Our Blood Institute is a vital non-profit entity, operating as the sixth largest independent blood center in the nation. With a network spanning 17 donor centers, OBI provides blood products to over 240 hospitals and medical facilities across various states. Notably, OBI equips over 95 percent of Oklahoma's blood supply to more than 160 healthcare facilities, embodying their mission to deliver critical resources whenever and wherever they're needed most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the collaboration between Our Blood Institute and Velico?
The partnership aims to enhance emergency medical transfusion practices through the testing and development of the FrontlineODP™ technology.
What is FrontlineODP™?
FrontlineODP™ is an innovative plasmatic solution designed to treat hemorrhage efficiently, offering rapid rehydration and storage advantages.
How quickly can FrontlineODP™ be prepared for transfusion?
It can be rehydrated with sterile water and ready for transfusion in approximately 2½ minutes, making it a critical tool in emergencies.
What does the collaboration signify for emergency medical practices?
This collaboration underscores a commitment to advancing life-saving technologies and improving emergency preparedness for medical professionals.
Is FrontlineODP™ approved for use?
The FrontlineODP™ system is currently under investigation and has not yet received FDA approval.
