Synthetic Blood International Announces New Preclinical Oxycyte Studies for Cardiac Surgery

Synthetic Blood International Inc. (OTCBB:SYBD), announced today that the company is collaborating with research scientists at two universities on two preclinical animal studies with Oxycyte(TM), the company’s perfluorocarbon (PFC) based blood substitute and therapeutic oxygen carrier. If the outcome is positive, these studies will provide the basis for a new cardiac surgery clinical development strategy the company is considering.

Synthetic Blood International Inc. (OTCBB:SYBD), announced today that the company is collaborating with research scientists at two universities on two preclinical animal studies with Oxycyte(TM), the company’s perfluorocarbon (PFC) based blood substitute and therapeutic oxygen carrier. If the outcome is positive, these studies will provide the basis for a new cardiac surgery clinical development strategy the company is considering. Coronary bypass surgery and heart valve replacement have high success rates. However, some patients experience serious postoperative adverse neurologic effects that include cognitive impairment and stroke. A contributing factor is believed to be the gaseous micro-bubbles produced by the membrane oxygenator used in the surgery. The company believes that Oxycyte’s ability to absorb gases may be useful in preventing these neurologic effects. Supporting this belief are preliminary results in a decompression sickness model in pigs where Oxycyte infusion significantly reduced the number and size of nitrogen bubbles in the blood stream. Treatment of decompression sickness is another clinical development strategy the company is considering, and one that is of interest to the U.S. Navy. “The planned animal studies will, if positive, add further support to the potential usefulness of Oxycyte in cardiac bypass and valve surgery. Prevention of memory loss and stroke following these surgeries would be an important and useful clinical indication for Oxycyte,” said Robert Nicora, SYBD president. “Our efforts illustrate the multiple market opportunities for Oxycyte that have the potential to make it a true blockbuster product.” The company also announced that results from follow-up visits in the Phase I study of Oxycyte continue to be as expected. The company is on track to announce the completion of the Phase I study and the start of Phase II testing in January. In addition to Oxycyte, SYBD is developing Fluorovent(TM), a liquid ventilation product that may be useful in treating respiratory disorders in adults and children. The company is also developing an implantable glucose biosensor for the continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels in diabetics. (Source: Synthetic Blood International Inc, Buisness Wire, Dec, 2003)