Breakthrough 'Biostasis' Drug Discovered by Harvard and Tufts Researchers'

Scientists from institutions like the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University,, Tufts University, and Vascular Perfusion Solutions, Inc., among others, have discovered an injectable 'biostasis' drug, SNC80, that can rapidly and reversibly slow biochemical and metabolic activities, offering potential clinical relevance for organ preservation, trauma management, and enhancing patient survival. This breakthrough discovery could revolutionize organ transplantation and medical care in remote and resource-limited locations.

In a groundbreaking study conducted by a team of researchers from the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Tufts University, and other esteemed institutions, a new injectable 'biostasis' drug named SNC80 has emerged as a potential game-changer in the fields of organ preservation and trauma management. The research, led by Megan M. Sperry and Berenice Charrez, showcases the drug's ability to slow organ injury and enhance patient survival in remote and low-resource locations. The discovery of SNC80 marks a significant step forward in medical science, presenting a solution to the pressing challenge of organ and tissue loss due to trauma, disease, and physical injury. 

"Approximately $400 billion in annual medical burden can be attributed to these ailments," Sperry, lead author of the study, said. "The ability to slow biological activities, or 'biostasis,' using the new drug can buy precious time for trauma and transplant patients, minimize damage from toxins and overdoses, and improve the viability of cells and organs for transplantation. We were astonished by the potential applications of SNC80. Its ability to induce reversible slowing of metabolic processes can revolutionize the way we treat organ injuries and preserve organs for transplantation,"

The researchers utilized whole-organism screening of metabolism, mobility, and development in Xenopus, a frog species commonly used in scientific research, to identify SNC80 as the key drug capable of achieving metabolic suppression while preserving cell and tissue viability. Notably, the drug demonstrated its effectiveness independently of its known delta opioid receptor modulating activity. 

"We conducted extensive tests on various organisms and tissues, and the results were consistently impressive. SNC80 not only achieved metabolic suppression in non-hibernating Xenopus tadpoles but also showcased cross-species relevance in explanted porcine hearts and limbs," Berenice Charrez, co-author of the study, said.

The drug's mode of action was further revealed through thermal proteome profiling, which identified its targeting of the NCX1/EEAT1 membrane transport system. The chemical modulation of NCX1 induced biostasis, offering a novel therapeutic approach for organ preservation and trauma management. 

"By understanding the specific mechanism of SNC80, we can now explore additional applications and refine its use in clinical settings. The potential benefits for patients in need of organ transplants are immense," added Haleh Fotowat, a member of the research team.

One of the most promising aspects of the study is the drug's adaptability to different medical scenarios. While current organ preservation techniques rely on lowering temperatures and static cold storage, SNC80 presents a viable pharmaceutical alternative. 

"Static cold storage has its limitations, and long-term use may damage the integrity of grafts. SNC80, on the other hand, opens new possibilities for extending preservation times and improving the outcomes of organ transplantation surgeries," stated Thomas J. Percival, a researcher involved in the study. 

The research team acknowledges the challenges of implementing freezing approaches in trauma triage or resource-limited situations. The new drug offers a promising avenue to address such challenges and provide practical, life-saving solutions. With this groundbreaking discovery, the team of scientists is optimistic about the potential impact on medical care globally. They believe that SNC80's ability to induce biostasis could usher in a new era of advanced trauma management and organ preservation techniques, significantly improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of medical care costs. The study's findings are set to be published in a prestigious scientific journal, and the researchers hope that the medical community will embrace the potential of SNC80 in transforming patient care. As the drug continues its journey from the laboratory to the clinic, there is renewed hope for patients facing organ injuries and the medical professionals caring for them.