Oxygen Biotherapeutics, US Navy to study Oxycyte for treatment of hemorrhagic shock

As part of the CRADA, the biomedical company will assess the safety and efficacy of Oxycyte, a perfluorocarbon-based drug candidate, as well as hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOC) as potential resuscitation treatments for hemorrhagic shock.

The new agreement complements ongoing research programs in which the US Navy is exploring the therapeutic potential of Oxycyte in the areas of decompression sickness and traumatic brain injury.

As per the agreement, NAMRU-SA will study several oxygen based therapies in rat and swine models of hemorrhagic shock, under a multi-phased, three-year research program.

The research program aims to reach various endpoints, which include direct tissue arteriole diameter measurements to assess vasoactivity, comparing standard measurement of oxygen delivery to direct tissue oxygen concentrations, and determining any effects of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Oxygen Biotherapeutics will provide information related to the development Oxycyte, including human and animal studies, as well as ongoing guidance regarding optimal approaches to Oxycyte administration and dosing to NAMRU-SA.

The biomedical company will transfer Oxycyte to the NAMRU-SA under a separate material transfer agreement (MTA).

Oxygen Biotherapeutics president and chief financial officer Michael Jebsen said demand is highest for therapies that buy more time for soldiers with traumatic injuries as they are transported from remote areas to hospitals and emergency medical units.

"We are pleased that the Navy has expanded its interest in Oxycyte as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of hemorrhagic shock for our sailors and soldiers suffering acute battlefield injuries," Jebsen added.