“This research has the potential to save lives,” said Durbin. “First responders will be better able to help injured persons with massive blood loss and surgeons will have another resource in the emergency room. PolyHeme could also help doctors in rural or remote settings where blood supplies for transfusions are limited.”

Durbin, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, helped secure the funding through the Department of the Defense Fiscal Year 2006 Appropriations bill. The project is included in the more than $280 million in federal funding Durbin secured for Illinois defense-related facilities and projects this year.

Currently, trauma victims in need of resuscitation are treated with the infusion of a solution that does not carry oxygen, such as salt water. Once the victim arrives at the hospital, Type O blood may be used if an urgent transfusion is required. Otherwise, it can take 45 minutes to an hour to obtain cross-matched fully-compatible blood for the victim’s specific blood type. PolyHeme is manufactured from human blood and provides oxygen-carrying capacity. It is compatible with all blood types and thus can be used quickly in the treatment of seriously-injured persons. PolyHeme also has a shelf life of over 12 months, whereas donated red blood cells only have a shelf life of 42 days.

Northfield Laboratories is currently in phase III of the pivotal trials for PolyHeme, the only oxygen-carrying blood substitute the U.S. being used in pre-hospital, transport and hospital settings. Approximately 25 Level I trauma centers throughout the nation are participating in the clinical trials. The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of PolyHeme in clinical trials. If the trials are successful, PolyHeme will be closer to being licensed for use in civilian and military settings.