Researcher Develops Synthetic Fluid to Revive Mice
The soybean-based fluid achieved a near 100 percent survival rate in mice brought to the point of clinical death.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Stroke
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Dr. Cuthbert Simpkins has developed a synthetic fluid named VBI-1, which successfully revived mice from clinical death. The nanoparticle technology is designed to avoid the brain-damaging reperfusion injuries typically associated with blood reinfusion.
Why it matters
This innovation aims to address persistent blood supply shortages that frequently impact medical facilities. If successful in humans, the technology could provide a critical alternative to traditional blood transfusions.
The VBI-1 fluid consists of soybean oil, egg lecithin, and egg yolk. Researchers observed a 100% survival rate in mice following the procedure, compared to the 500 units of blood utilized daily at University Health KC.
The players
Dr. Cuthbert Simpkins
He is the founder of Vivacelle Bio and the lead researcher who developed the synthetic fluid VBI-1.
University Health KC
This is a Kansas City medical institution that relies on large daily blood donations to treat patients.
Vivacelle Bio
This is a biotechnology company focused on developing advanced resuscitation and blood-substitute technologies.
The details
Developed by Vivacelle Bio founder Dr. Cuthbert Simpkins, VBI-1 uses nanoparticle technology to prevent reperfusion injury during blood reinfusion. The experimental process involved draining mice until they reached clinical death before administering the fluid.
Timeline
2020: Blood shortages repeatedly hit low levels in communities.
- 2026-10-30
Research findings were published.
2027-2028: Human clinical trials are expected to occur.
2031: The target date for FDA approval and market release.
Health Landscape
This innovation represents a significant shift in resuscitation science, moving away from reliance on donor blood toward synthetic nanoparticle alternatives. It follows a developmental trajectory similar to VBI-S, which is currently undergoing the FDA approval process for septic shock treatment.
The development of VBI-1 could eventually reduce the reliance on donor blood during emergency medical procedures and critical care. For patients, this signifies a potential decrease in risks associated with traditional blood transfusion complications.
The takeaway
This synthetic fluid offers a promising technological bridge for treating clinical death without the typical risks of reperfusion injury. While human trials are years away, the development highlights a major step toward stabilizing emergency medical care in communities.
What happens next
Human clinical trials are scheduled to take place between 2027 and 2028, with a target for market release in 2031.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research in the Stroke section.
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Would you trust a synthetic blood substitute derived from egg and soybean oil?
