Vivonics, Inc. is pleased to announce the award of contract M67854-24-C-6544 from the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) for $999,962 to advance the development of the Intranasal Cooling for Encephalopathy Prevention in Combat Casualties (ICEPICC) system. The ICEPICC system is a breakthrough technology aimed at mitigating the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in combat trauma care.
Headed by Ms. Michaelina Dupnik, this contract represents a major milestone for Vivonics, as it continues the development of ICEPICC under the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program. This current award marks the base period of a second Phase II SBIR contract, with an additional $500,000 proposed for an option period, contingent on successful outcomes from the ongoing research. ICEPICC is poised to become a critical tool in addressing brain injuries sustained by soldiers in combat, offering potentially life-saving interventions during the crucial moments following head trauma.
Vivonics is collaborating closely with NeuroIntact, Inc., a partner that has licensed the technology from Vivonics for commercialization. NeuroIntact CEO Bryan Nicholson emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “Through our partnership with Vivonics, we’ve gained a deep understanding of the brain injuries faced by our soldiers. The funding raised by NeuroIntact, along with the grant from the Marine Corps, will advance the development of our intranasal Targeted Temperature Management (TTM) therapy. This therapy has the potential to bring about a paradigm shift in the treatment of brain injuries for both military and civilian patients.”
The innovative ICEPICC system builds on earlier research that was developed during Phase I and the initial Phase II of the SBIR program. Its intranasal delivery method for cooling provides an effective, portable solution for managing brain injuries in austere environments, particularly in the high-stress, high-risk scenarios faced by military personnel.
This collaboration between Vivonics and NeuroIntact exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships in developing cutting-edge medical solutions. With continued support from the USMC and other stakeholders, the ICEPICC system could have a far-reaching impact, not only for military trauma care but also in civilian healthcare settings to treat TBI and other conditions where targeted temperature management of the brain can improve patient outcomes.
