Dear Dr. Barai,
I am new to this thread, but I have been following it for over a year. I have some questions to ask you, and some thoughts to share with you.
I believe you are a hematologist working for the Clarian Health Network. Since they are comprised of three large hospitals (Methodist, IU, & Riley), have you talked with anyone on-site to participate in the Optro phase IIB cardiopulmonary bypass evaluation. I believe Methodist Hospital may be looking at the Baxter oxygen therapeutic product. I agree with you, SMTG's recombinant hemoglobin will prove to be the best by far and more widely accepted by physicians.
Second question: have you talked with Somatogen about involving any of your Clarian colleagues with the application of this oxygen therapeutic in other therapeutic modalities (i.e., radiation oncology, pediatrics, etc.)?
Some thoughts: Somatogen does have outstanding management and they are proceeding in a prudent and manageable manner. I believe CPB is the place to evaluate this product; however, it's marketable appeal in five years for Open Heart Surgery will not be as great as analysts predict for two reasons: 1) Blood conservation techniques have improved tremendously and 2) In five years, 75% of coronary bypass procedures will be performed off bypass using minimally invasive procedures (MIDCAB). Patients do not bleed during these procedures.
Long term - I am very bullish om Somatogen. Optro and its sibling mutants will have tremendous application as an oxygen therapeutic which the other blood substitute firms cannot claim.
I enjoy reading your comments and believe people with your background should be evaluating these products for their clinical efficacy.
Thank you! |
