FORT DETRICK, Md. — A U.S. Army Medical Materiel Development Activity (USAMMDA) commercial partner, Octapharma USA, received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Aug. 8, 2024, for the military use of octaplasLG Powder — a potential lifesaving blood replacement therapy in critical field situations.

The EUA marks a significant milestone for USAMMDA’s Warfighter Protection and Acute Care (WPAC) Project Management Office, which manages the development of blood products such as a Freeze-Dried Plasma through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Octapharma USA.

“The WPAC team played a vital vital role in assisting their commercial partner’s efforts, helping them navigate through the EUA process to equip our Warfighters with another critical tool in far-forward environments,” said Dr. Kendra Lawrence, WPAC’s program manager.

While not a replacement for FDA-approved plasma products in emergency care settings, the octaplasLG Powder provides added flexibility during shortages or when fresh-frozen plasma is unavailable or impractical in combat operations. The EUA allows U.S. military medical commands to procure and administer the therapy (for blood types A and B) during hemorrhagic emergencies or coagulopathy treatment.

“The time and distance in remote environments, like the Arctic or Indo-Pacific, can delay critical care,” said U.S. Army Maj. Andrew Mountney, WPAC’s military deputy project manager. “Every second counts after injury. Our job is to close capability gaps and deliver expeditionary solutions that save lives.”

USAMMDA develops and fields essential drugs, vaccines, biologics, and medical devices, and medical equipment to protect U.S. forces for Warfighters. Project managers collaborate with their Army Medical Department, Joint Staff, and other military branches to guide innovations from testing to field-ready solutions.

The EUA for octaplasLG Powder highlights USAMMDA’s commitment to supporting their Joint mission to support their Joint Force with reliable, deployable medical innovations for Warfighters. For more information, contact the USAMMDA’s Public Affairs Office or visit their official website.