Pakistan Unveils Its First-Ever Lifesaving Hemostat Dressing

Pakistan has made a significant leap in medical innovation with the development of its first-ever lifesaving hemostat dressing, capable of stopping bleeding within seconds. This groundbreaking advancement has the potential to save tens of thousands of lives each year, marking a milestone in the country’s medical research and development.

A Game-Changing Innovation by COMSATS University

The lifesaving dressing was developed by a team of researchers at the Interdisciplinary Research Center in Biomedical Materials (IRCBM) at COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus. Led by Dr. Muhammad Yar, the team created this innovative dressing using a low-cost biopolymer called chitosan, which is extracted from marine organisms. The product, commercially named KytoStat®, has placed Pakistan among the few nations worldwide that have successfully developed this advanced technology.

The journey to creating KytoStat® was not without challenges. After years of rigorous trial and error, the product finally received approval from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). Additionally, KytoStat® has been patented by the Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan (IPO), protecting its unique formulation and positioning it as a proprietary innovation in the global market.

Addressing a Global Health Crisis: The Need for Hemostat Dressings

Uncontrolled bleeding following accidents or traumatic events is a leading cause of death globally, with nearly five million people losing their lives each year due to hemorrhaging. Road traffic accidents alone account for approximately 146,000 deaths and 2.8 million injuries annually. In this context, the development of an effective hemostat dressing like KytoStat® is a crucial step forward in improving emergency medical care.

KytoStat® works by utilizing a glycosaminoglycan-based biopolymer derived from marine sources. The dressing’s mechanism involves the positive charge on the surface of KytoStat® interacting with the negatively charged components of blood. This interaction triggers rapid platelet thrombosis at the site of bleeding, effectively stopping the flow of blood within seconds. This rapid response is critical in emergency situations where time is of the essence.

The Importance of Locally Developed Biomaterials

Dr. Aqif Anwar Chaudhry, Head of IRCBM at COMSATS University Islamabad, emphasized the significance of locally developing cutting-edge biomaterials like KytoStat®. He noted that imported hemostat patches are often prohibitively expensive, making them inaccessible to a large portion of the population.

“Imported patches are costly and beyond the reach of many. KytoStat® offers a cost-effective and life-saving solution that is easily available across Pakistan. Its availability in various sizes for over-the-counter use and adoption by clinicians in hospitals highlights its crucial role in addressing the urgent need for effective hemostatic solutions,” said Dr. Chaudhry.

KytoStat®: A Vital Tool for Trauma Care in Pakistan

The introduction of KytoStat® comes at a time when Pakistan’s healthcare system faces significant challenges, particularly in trauma care. Prof. Tariq Iqbal, head of the burn center at PIMS Hospital, underscored the importance of hemostat dressings in managing bleeding and promoting wound healing, especially in developing countries like Pakistan.

“Healing wounds effectively and managing bleeding are critical, especially in countries where trauma centers are not available in every major city. The lack of pre-hospital trauma management due to the absence of an organized emergency response system makes products like KytoStat® indispensable,” Prof. Iqbal stated.

Life-Saving First Aid: KytoStat® in Emergency Situations

One of the most significant advantages of KytoStat® is its ease of use, making it an essential tool in emergency first aid. The dressing can be quickly applied to stop blood flow from injuries sustained in road accidents or bomb blasts, buying critical time as patients are transported to trauma centers.

Prof. Mustehsan Bashir, a leading plastic surgeon based in Lahore, highlighted the critical role of hemostat dressings like KytoStat® in pre-hospital care. He noted that in many cases, patients arrive at hospitals without having received any basic first aid, as trained personnel are often unavailable during transport.

“A hemostat dressing is highly recommended to help stop bleeding while patients are being transferred to hospitals,” Prof. Bashir explained, emphasizing the dressing’s potential to save lives in transit.

Expanding Applications: KytoStat® in Dentistry and Beyond

Beyond emergency trauma care, KytoStat® is proving to be a valuable tool in other medical fields as well. Dentists, for example, have found the dressing particularly useful in managing bleeding following complex dental procedures.

Dr. Sharjeel, a prominent dentist from Lahore, shared his experience with KytoStat® in dental practice. “Post-extraction bleeding is a common issue that can lead to pain, discomfort, and delayed healing. Using KytoStat® in the extraction socket has shown excellent results, with immediate clot formation in less than three minutes, minimal post-extraction pain, and no dry sockets. It significantly enhances healing and is highly beneficial for patients,” he reported.

A Broader Impact: KytoStat® for Law Enforcement and Remote Areas

KytoStat® also has the potential to assist law enforcement and emergency services operating in challenging environments. The dressing’s ability to control bleeding quickly makes it an invaluable tool for police forces, military personnel, and emergency responders working in hostile situations. Moreover, for individuals living in remote areas with limited access to medical facilities, KytoStat® could be a life-saving resource.

Global Potential: Manufacturing and Exporting KytoStat®

Recognizing the global potential of this innovation, the COMSATS team is collaborating with Cotton Craft Pvt Ltd to manufacture KytoStat® on a larger scale. Discussions are also underway with various firms to explore the possibilities of exporting this promising product worldwide.

With the ability to save lives both in Pakistan and beyond, KytoStat® represents a significant achievement in the field of biomedical materials. As it becomes more widely available, it has the potential to revolutionize the way emergency bleeding is managed, offering a cost-effective solution that can be easily deployed in a variety of medical and emergency scenarios.

The development of KytoStat® is a testament to Pakistan’s growing capabilities in medical research and innovation. This lifesaving hemostat dressing not only addresses a critical need within the country but also positions Pakistan as a leader in the global medical community. As KytoStat® becomes more widely adopted, it will undoubtedly save countless lives and contribute to improving healthcare outcomes in emergency situations worldwide.

The future looks promising for KytoStat®, and with continued support and investment, it could become a standard tool in trauma care, both in Pakistan and internationally.