Global Good Fund, the Feinstein Institute and Sanguistat Announce New Bioelectronic Treatment Initiative to Address Bleeding

BELLEVUE, Wash. and MANHASSET, N.Y. and MORRIS, Conn., Nov. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Global Good Fund, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research at Northwell Health and Sanguistat, Inc, are partnering on clinical trials of the Neural Tourniquet to evaluate the efficacy of bioelectronic medicine in treating blood loss associated with postpartum hemorrhage.

"Postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal deaths worldwide. It kills close to 80,000 women in Africa and Asia, and around 6,000 in the U.S. each year," said Kevin J. Tracey, MD, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institute. "Lab tests show that vagus nerve stimulation in mothers suffering from postpartum hemorrhage may reduce life-threatening bleeding."

The Neural Tourniquet is a medical device that uses electronic nerve stimulation to reduce blood loss. Similar applications of bioelectronic medicine are already being used to treat epilepsy, depression, and cluster and migraine headache, and hold promise for treating rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases where inflammation plays a critical role. The 'Tourniquet' was licensed to Sanguistat, Inc, for development from the Feinstein Institute, where the initial research was conducted and where clinical trials are underway. Global Good will advise on the clinical trial and product's potential introduction into developing regions.

Sanguistat President and CEO Ronald M. Burch, PhD, said, "The Neural Tourniquet could represent a major breakthrough in treating bleeding. If successful, it would have tremendously positive implications, not only for women giving birth, but also for soldiers wounded in battle, for patients in emergency rooms, and for patients with chronic bleeding diseases such as hemophilia. We are delighted to partner with Global Good and the Feinstein Institute to make this much-needed therapy available for developing regions."

"All postpartum hemorrhage deaths are tragic, but they are all too common in low-income countries, where many women suffer from anemia and lack access to the necessary obstetric care. When these mothers die, the tragedy also impacts their children's health and education, and perpetuates the cycle of poverty," said David Bell, director of Global Health Technologies at Global Good. "If this technology proves successful, the partnership with the Feinstein Institute and Sanguistat could mean the difference between life and death for mothers around the world who suffer from postpartum hemorrhage."

About The Feinstein Institute
The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research is the research arm of Northwell Health, the largest healthcare provider in New York. Home to 50 research laboratories and to clinical research throughout dozens of hospitals and outpatient facilities, the 2,000 researchers and staff of the Feinstein are making breakthroughs in molecular medicine, genetics, oncology, brain research, mental health, autoimmunity, and bioelectronic medicine – a new field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. For more information about how we empower imagination and pioneer discovery, visit FeinsteinInstitute.org.

About Global Good
Global Good is a collaboration between Intellectual Ventures and Bill Gates to invent technology that improves life in developing countries. With support from a coalition of NGO, government and business partners, we conceive, develop and deploy inventions for the poorest parts of the world. Global Good combines IV's unique invention prowess with the expertise of leading humanitarian organizations, forward-looking governments, and commercial partners that share our vision. Together, we invent, develop, and deploy commercially-viable technologies that improve life in developing countries. www.globalgood.com

About Sanguistat, Inc.
Sanguistat is a clinical-stage, private, emerging medical device company developing the Neural Tourniquet – peripheral surface electrode-mediated neurostimulation of the vagus nerve – to reduce bleeding in response to trauma or disease. The Company's approach is expected to potentially deliver valuable products to address areas of high unmet medical needs.

SOURCE The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research