A polymer-based systemic hemostat for managing uncontrolled bleeding.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Hemostasis Research
• Trauma Medicine

Background:

• Uncontrolled bleeding is a critical medical emergency requiring rapid intervention.
• Current hemostatic methods are limited to accessible, compressible injuries and cannot address internal bleeding.
• There is a need for stable, field-usable synthetic hemostats capable of treating diverse bleeding sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel polymer peptide interfusion hemostatic agent (HAPPI) for treating severe traumatic bleeding.
• To assess HAPPI's effectiveness in both normal and hemophilia models, via systemic and topical administration.
• To determine if HAPPI can be used synergistically with other hemostatic agents.

Main Methods:

• HAPPI was administered intravenously and topically in rat and mouse models of lethal traumatic bleeding.
• Efficacy was assessed in normal rats with liver trauma and heparinized rats with liver biopsy wounds.
• Hemostatic potential was evaluated in hemophilia A mice, with and without recombinant Factor VIIa (rFVIIa).

Main Results:

• Intravenous HAPPI significantly reduced blood loss and mortality in a rat liver trauma model.
• Topical HAPPI application on liver wounds reduced blood loss by 73% and increased survival five-fold in heparinized rats.
• HAPPI demonstrated hemostatic efficacy in hemophilia A mice, and synergized with rFVIIa to achieve a 95% reduction in blood loss.

Conclusions:

• HAPPI is a highly effective hemostatic agent for various traumatic bleeding conditions.
• The agent is suitable for both systemic and topical application, offering versatility in clinical settings.
• HAPPI represents a promising, field-usable solution for managing life-threatening hemorrhages, including in patients with bleeding disorders.