Haemostatix is developing first-in-class products to treat bleeding in surgery, trauma and in leukaemic patients.

In surgery there is a need to control bleeding at the site of an incision or wound. Topical haemostats or sealants have been developed for this application, but their acceptance is limited by concerns over efficacy; the inability to control brisk bleeds; biocompatibility; use of bovine components ; and ease of preparation. Despite these shortcomings, this is a rapidly expanding market, receptive to new product introductions. More...

Bone marrow failure in leukaemic patients, especially when they are undergoing chemotherapy, can result in a severe platelet deficiency, which leads to bleeding. The standard treatment for this is repeated transfusion of donor platelets. However, as a blood-derived product, transfused platelets carry a risk of viral, prion and bacterial contamination. Supply and wastage is also a significant problem as donor platelets have a very short shelf life of 5 days. In addition, the efficacy of platelets may be reduced in up to 20% of patients due to refractory responses. Surveys by Haemostatix confirm the unequivocal need for a synthetic platelet substitute. More...

In surgery, platelets are also transfused to prevent or control excess bleeding. In this context, platelets have to be ordered ahead of surgery and may not in fact be used, resulting in wastage. Surgery patients are also exposed to contamination risks associated with any platelet transfusion. In trauma, the use of platelets can be hindered by the lack of availability, particularly in a military situation.