NCT05756426 · University of Maryland, Baltimore
Consortium for Optimized Integration of Bio-Artificial Blood Components for Adaptive Resuscitation Therapy
(CONCERT)
What this study is about
There is need for a whole blood analog for use when banked blood is unavailable or undesirable. In civilian trauma, hemorrhage accounts for \~ 35% of pre-hospital deaths; moreover, \~ 20% of military casualties are in hemorrhagic shock on arrival to field hospitals and an additional 5% require urgent transfusion.
View original scientific description
There is need for a whole blood analog for use when banked blood is unavailable or undesirable. In civilian trauma, hemorrhage accounts for \~ 35% of pre-hospital deaths; moreover, \~ 20% of military casualties are in hemorrhagic shock on arrival to field hospitals and an additional 5% require urgent transfusion. A recent review concluded that hemorrhage accounted for \~ 90% of potentially survivable battlefield deaths - lives that could be saved with better hemorrhage control capabilities and improved, field-ready blood, blood components, or blood substitutes. While study of ideal composition for resuscitative fluids is ongoing, it is evident that for those in hemorrhagic shock, volume replenishment alone (without O2 carrying capacity) is insufficient. Alternatively, with massive blood loss or with ongoing bleeding from non-compressible injuries, resuscitation with an O2 carrier alone may be complicated by acquired coagulopathy (either dilutional or trauma-induced). Development of a balanced resuscitation fluid that treats both shock and coagulopathy (comprising a field-deployable O2 carrier with lyophilized humoral hemostatic components and platelets) is essential to allow on-scene treatment during the critical 'golden-hours' after injury. As such, the whole blood analog described herein could be this product, thus transforming care in both civilian and military settings.The scientific purpose of this study is to develop a combined whole blood substitute from individual artificial prototypes that have been separately developed for each blood component (i.e., combining an artificial oxygen carrier, with an artificial plasma analogue and an artificial platelet analogue). Together, these combined components will recapitulate the composition and performance of natural whole blood. Blending and combination experiments of the individual artificial prototypes will be performed to test compatibility and optimize efficacy. State of the art in vitro (bench top) assays will be performed to assess physicochemical and functional performance (hemodynamics, oxygen delivery, hemostasis), with data being compared to experiments performed on fresh and stored whole blood.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Subject \>/= 18 years of age
- Subject weighs \>40kg (88lbs)
- Subject must be generally healthy
Exclusion criteria
- Suspected or diagnosed with ongoing (chronic) or acute infection
- Subject is pregnant
- Subject is non-english speaking
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 7, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations