# Development of VBI-1 as a novel treatment protocol for outpatient cardiac arrest

> **NIH NIH R41** · VIVACELLE BIO, INC. · 2024 · $279,569

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Cardiac arrest (CA) is a life-threatening condition that can lead to loss of pulse, cessation of breathing, and
unconsciousness. In the US alone, over 805,000 people are affected annually by CA, with the average
survival rate being as low as 10.4%. CA is usually caused by reduced blood flow and ineffective cardiac
output, which can result in post-cardiac arrest brain injury if not treated promptly. To improve clinical
outcomes and survival rates, it's crucial to restore effective blood flow as soon as possible while minimizing
the risk of reperfusion injury. Currently used resuscitation fluids are not effective in increasing blood pressure
and may even contribute to further injury. Therefore, there is an urgent need for efficient interventions to
improve coronary artery perfusion pressure and reduce reperfusion injury to minimize organ damage and
ensure better survival of patients.
Vivacelle Bio Inc. has developed a proprietary formulation called VBI-1, which is composed of micelles and
liposomes. It acts as a colloidal volume expander, absorbs excessive nitric oxide and free radicals, and
carries and releases oxygen. This formulation is specifically designed to address cardiac ischemia
reperfusion injury. In a previous study using a rat model of cardiac arrest and clinical death due to rapid and
severe blood loss, we demonstrated that VBI-1 infusion via the femoral artery was superior to all other fluids,
including shed blood, in restoring spontaneous respiration and elevating blood pressure 4 hours after
infusion. Our goal is to expand the use of intra-arterial infusion of VBI-1 to more common causes of cardiac
arrest.
In Phase II, Vivacelle Bio will perform Further preclinical validation, including biodistribution and bioavailability
studies leading to IND application. Optimization of VBI-1 will be guided by studies of its mechanism or that
of a modified form of VBI-1.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10921818
- **Project number:** 1R41HL174360-01
- **Recipient organization:** VIVACELLE BIO, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Cuthbert Ormond Simpkins
- **Activity code:** R41 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $279,569
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10921818

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10921818, Development of VBI-1 as a novel treatment protocol for outpatient cardiac arrest (1R41HL174360-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10921818. Licensed CC0.

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