Staff Report
Published Nov. 22, 2010

SCRA, on behalf of its SC Launch affiliate, presented a check for $200,000 to Vitasol LLC at the 2010 SC MedTech Conference held last week in Greenville.

Vitasol is a Columbia-based life science company created to improve therapies in the field of emergency medicine and critical care.

“We started this company hoping to solve a major problem for trauma victims and improve treatment outcomes in critical care situations,” said Vitasol CEO John Propst. “The domestic market is quite large, and the global implications are significant. Our initial test results are very encouraging, and with this investment from SC Launch we will be able to secure follow on investments and move our research discoveries that much closer toward improving patient care.”

At the forefront is Vitasol’s first product, Resuscinex, a patented multicomponent intravenous fluid for the treatment of blood or fluid loss from the vascular system. Resuscinex works by drawing fluid out of the microscopic spaces between cells and into the vascular system. This restores blood pressure, which often drops sharply in shock victims who have lost blood, and also restores normal heart rate.

In addition, the formula provides antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents and intermediate energy to cells while increasing blood flow in capillaries, the tiny vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to tissue.

“Vitasol’s technology promises to deliver significant advances for the health care provider to multiple-injury victims,” said Bill Mahoney, CEO of SCRA. “The company has developed an entirely new system for treating shock victims that could be applied in the battlefield and in hospitals everywhere. We are delighted to present this emerging life science company with a ‘big check’ investment and look forward to the continued technology discoveries and economic impacts that will come from Vitasol.”

Vitasol was founded and advanced by several researchers at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. The company plans to begin human trials in coming months and is currently seeking approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.