EpiMAX: a new injectable gel that stops GI bleeding quickly and for days
Official title: Development of EpiMAX, a first-in-class injectable hemostatic agent for long-acting hemostasis of gastrointestinal bleeding
Funded at Origin Endoscopy INC. · NIH-11407431 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new injectable hydrogel with epinephrine-loaded microparticles is designed to plug GI bleeds and provide immediate and lasting hemostasis for about 72 hours.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Origin Endoscopy INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,212,289 |
| NIH project number | 1R44DK145328-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11407431 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with acute GI bleeding where local hemostasis is needed and where an injectable gel could be applied endoscopically.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions or settings where gel injection is not feasible or where epinephrine-containing products are contraindicated may not benefit.
What this research studies
Origin Endoscopy is developing EpiMAX, a drug-device combination that injects a hydrogel containing epinephrine microparticles into a GI bleeding site to compress vessels and stop bleeding within minutes. The system is designed for biphasic release, delivering immediate effect and then a 72-hour sustained release to support tissue healing. The project will optimize microparticle production, ensure GMP manufacturing scalability, and create a transferable process for a contract manufacturer. In vivo porcine data show rapid hemostasis with minimal inflammation and complete hydrogel resorption after about five days, with no systemic uptake.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, EpiMAX could provide rapid, longer-lasting control of GI bleeding with reduced need for re-application and potentially fewer complications.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical porcine data showed rapid bleeding control and favorable tissue response, supporting progression to GMP production and further development.
Where this research is happening
-
Origin Endoscopy INC.
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Starkweather, Jeremy Shane — Origin Endoscopy INC.
- Study coordinator: Starkweather, Jeremy Shane
Related research
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Bleeding and Platelet Problems in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.