Corporate
News release
TopLAKEWOOD, COLO. – 26 April 2022 – Freeze-dried plasma has the potential to offer numerous advantages over conventional frozen plasma in emergency bleeding where time is critical. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, a medical technology company, received a $10.6 million contract to continue its work on freeze-dried plasma (FDP). The contract is with MTEC, the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium, a 501(c)(3) biomedical technology consortium collaborating under an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command, and is sponsored by the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and managed by the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) to drive healthcare advances for the battlefield.
Plasma is a straw-colored liquid that is part of human blood. It is used to treat severe bleeding because plasma contains proteins that make blood clot. Most plasma today is frozen, and thawing takes time not available in critical situations. Once thawed, it is suitable for transfusion for about five days under the right refrigerated conditions. Freeze-dried plasma can be kept at room temperature and is ready in minutes after reconstituting it with medical-grade water. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies’ technology under development uses bags that resemble standard blood bags to reconstitute the freeze-dried powder quickly.
“You can only imagine that it’s nearly impossible to carry a giant freezer with frozen plasma into a conflict or trauma zone. And at home many hospitals outside major urban settings do not have plasma readily available because of the logistics of managing it,” said Chetan Makam, General Manager, Global Blood Solutions, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. “We envision a day when clinicians can use our freeze-dried, shelf-stable plasma to provide the same level of therapy for severe bleeding no matter where it happens — whether it’s on a battlefield or a remote highway, in a midsize hospital or at a top-tier academic medical center.”
The latest round of funding will further advance the company’s product development, Makam said. This includes preparations for clinical studies and continued verification testing. Such innovations require rigorous testing and approvals for human use. A widespread launch is still years away. This contract enables our company to continue the vital work to bring such innovations to market and improve equitable and safe access to blood therapies.
Plasma is a straw-colored liquid that is part of human blood. It is used to treat severe bleeding because plasma contains proteins that make blood clot. Most plasma today is frozen, and thawing takes time not available in critical situations. Once thawed, it is suitable for transfusion for about five days under the right refrigerated conditions. Freeze-dried plasma can be kept at room temperature and is ready in minutes after reconstituting it with medical-grade water. Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies’ technology under development uses bags that resemble standard blood bags to reconstitute the freeze-dried powder quickly.
“You can only imagine that it’s nearly impossible to carry a giant freezer with frozen plasma into a conflict or trauma zone. And at home many hospitals outside major urban settings do not have plasma readily available because of the logistics of managing it,” said Chetan Makam, General Manager, Global Blood Solutions, Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies. “We envision a day when clinicians can use our freeze-dried, shelf-stable plasma to provide the same level of therapy for severe bleeding no matter where it happens — whether it’s on a battlefield or a remote highway, in a midsize hospital or at a top-tier academic medical center.”
The latest round of funding will further advance the company’s product development, Makam said. This includes preparations for clinical studies and continued verification testing. Such innovations require rigorous testing and approvals for human use. A widespread launch is still years away. This contract enables our company to continue the vital work to bring such innovations to market and improve equitable and safe access to blood therapies.
About Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies
Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies is a medical technology company. Our products, software and services enable customers to collect and prepare blood and cells to help treat challenging diseases and conditions. Our employees around the world believe in the potential of blood and cells to do even more for patients than they do today. This belief inspires our innovation and strengthens our collaboration with customers.
About MTEC
MTEC is a 501(c)(3) biomedical technology consortium collaborating with multiple government agencies under a 10-year renewable Other Transactional Agreement with the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command. To find out more about MTEC, visit mtec-sc.org.
About Terumo
Terumo (TSE: 4543) is a global leader in medical technology and has been committed to “Contributing to Society through Healthcare” for 100 years. Based in Tokyo and operating globally, Terumo employs more than 30,000 associates worldwide to provide innovative medical solutions in more than 160 countries and regions. The company started as a Japanese thermometer manufacturer, and has been supporting healthcare ever since. Now, its extensive business portfolio ranges from vascular intervention and cardio-surgical solutions, blood transfusion and cell therapy technology, to medical products essential for daily clinical practice such as transfusion systems, diabetes care, and peritoneal dialysis treatments. Terumo will further strive to be of value to patients, medical professionals, and society at large.