Cellphire, Inc., the global leader in long-term stabilization and storage of platelets, announced today that John B. Holcomb, M.D., F.A.C.S., will serve as Medical Consultant.
Dr. Holcomb has extensive experience in the treatment of military and civilian trauma patients and has led three major trauma clinical trials in the past decade. He will advise on and assist with the development and execution of the company’s Phase II clinical protocol of its lead product, Thrombosomes®, a freeze-dried hemostatic agent derived from human platelets. Additionally, he will provide clinical expertise regarding future applications and uses of the product in bleeding patients.
Platelets are essential to treat bleeding but have a limited availability due to a 5-day shelf life. By applying its proprietary cell stabilization technology, Cellphire’s Thrombosomes have a shelf life of 3 years and can be stored at room temperature. They are revived by adding sterile water. Thrombosomes are currently in a Phase I clinical trial.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Holcomb join Cellphire,” said G. Michael Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., President and Director of R&D. “His experience and success in this field will greatly contribute to our ability to develop a product that can be used to treat bleeding patients and influence clinical practice.”
Dr. Holcomb is a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Army, retiring as a Colonel in 2008. Throughout his military career, he was deployed in support of multiple combat operations, first serving with the Joint Special Operations Command. From 2002 until 2008, Dr. Holcomb was the Commander of the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research and served as Trauma Consultant for the U.S. Army Surgeon General.
After retiring from military service, Dr. Holcomb joined the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston as Professor of Surgery. He was subsequently named the Director of the Center for Translational Injury Research and Vice Chair of the Department of Surgery. In 2017, Dr. Holcomb transitioned to part-time status at the University, where he is focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and business and regulatory strategy. Dr. Holcomb most recently served as Chief Medical Officer for Prytime Medical.
“I am excited to be joining Cellphire at this stage of the company’s development of Thrombosomes,” said Dr. Holcomb. “As a trauma surgeon, I have seen first-hand how critical it is to have platelets readily available for bleeding patients. I believe this product could ensure lifesaving platelets are available whenever and wherever they are needed.”
About Cellphire
Cellphire, Inc. is a biotechnology company developing next-generation therapeutics. The company is applying its proprietary cell stabilization technology to all cell types, including platelets, to develop lifesaving products. Its lead product is Thrombosomes®, a freeze-dried hemostatic derived from human platelets. Cellphire’s technology has potential applications across a wide range of medical applications from trauma to wound care, imaging, targeted drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. For more information, visit www.cellphire.com.
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Sharon Burns
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Tom Dann
Chief Investment Officer
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