The Science Behind UOC

Universal Oxygen Carrier (UOC) represents a paradigm shift in transfusion medicine and life-saving blood oxygenation therapy. 

The inception of UOC began with a profound understanding of the physiological mechanisms governing oxygen delivery. Insights into carbohydrate science has led to the creation of this revolutionary product, making UOC essentially invisible to the human immune system. As a result, UOC circumvents the issue of immune rejection commonly found with other blood substitutes.

UOC: A Different Kind of HBOC

UOC is a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier (HBOC) designed to mimic the oxygen transportation function of red blood cells. The first HBOC was discovered in the mid-1930’s. 

While HBOC’s show promise as a blood alternative, there are side-effects associated with HBOC’s, such as high blood pressure, and the risk of organ damage. Unlike other HBOC’s, UOC has no known side-effects.

UOC can be used with patients of all blood types and is absorbed naturally into the body. UOC is also shelf-stable, requiring no refrigeration and with a storage life of 5+ years in liquid or dehydrated form. 

How UOC Works

UOC utilizes a heme-carbohydrate complex, which involves the separation of the heme group from the globin portion of the hemoglobin molecule. This complex is then linked to a carefully selected sugar molecule, creating an oxygen-carrying molecule thousands of times smaller than a red blood cell. The size differential is pivotal, potentially allowing UOC to traverse the circulatory system with greater ease and deliver oxygen more efficiently to hypoxic tissues.