Pakistan has developed its first-ever lifesaving hemostat dressing, KytoStat®, capable of stopping bleeding within seconds. Invented by a team at COMSATS University Islamabad Lahore Campus, led by Dr. Muhammad Yar, this innovation uses low-cost biopolymer chitosan extracted from marine sources. Approved by the Drug Regulatory Authority Pakistan (DRAP) and patented by the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO), KytoStat® positions Pakistan among the few countries to achieve this advanced technology.
Abnormal bleeding, especially from road accidents, is a leading cause of death worldwide, with nearly five million fatalities annually. KytoStat® works by using a positively charged surface that interacts with negatively charged blood components, leading to rapid clotting and stopping bleeding immediately.
Dr. Aqif Anwar Chaudhry, Head of IRCBM at COMSATS, highlights that KytoStat® is a cost-effective alternative to expensive imported products, making it more accessible to the masses. Available in multiple sizes, it can be used over the counter and in hospitals.
Healthcare professionals, including Prof. Tariq Iqbal from PIMS Hospital and Dr. Sharjeel, a dentist from Lahore, have praised KytoStat® for its effectiveness in controlling bleeding in trauma and dental cases. The dressing is also beneficial for emergency services, law enforcement, and remote area workers.
KytoStat® is being manufactured in collaboration with Cotton Craft Pvt Ltd and is set for global export, further enhancing its impact.