India’s indigenous medtech innovation, FIBROPLUG proves its mettle in emergency battlefield situations

New Delhi: FIBROPLUG, a breakthrough innovation for Haemorrhage Control has been used by Indian defence forces, various coveted units across the borders and in emergency response scenarios. More than 3000 units lifted by defence establishment in the last 5 days and more orders received, Fibroheal is operating at a war level to support the nation.

FIBROPLUG is India’s first patented silk-chitosan composite hemostatic sponge, a homegrown innovation enabled by DBT-BIRAC’s SBIRI and PCP schemes.

Jitendra Kumar, Managing Director, BIRAC, emphasised – “FIBROPLUG demonstrates the catalytic effect of targeted support and collaboration on India’s innovation ecosystem. Through our SBIRI and PCP schemes, BIRAC is proud to have enabled the translation of cutting-edge research into an affordable, world-class healthcare solution addressing the critical need for rapid haemorrhage control. The success of FIBROPLUG highlights the strength of industry-academia partnerships and reaffirms our commitment to nurturing indigenous innovations that enhance India’s healthcare capabilities and self-reliance.”

The technology was jointly developed by Fibroheal Woundcare an innovative Indian medtech startup founded by Vivek Mishra and Bharat Tandon and the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. FIBROPLUG marks a significant leap forward in rapid hemorrhage control for accidental, surgical, and field injuries. Its affordability, field readiness, and life-saving potential make it an ideal frontline tool during large-scale humanitarian and defence operations.

The journey of FIBROPLUG began in 2018, inspired by the urgent need for an indigenous solution after witnessing our defence and emergency responders rely on costly imported products. Participation in the DRDO-CRPF Grand Challenge and direct engagement with frontline personnel revealed the critical gaps in trauma care and motivated the team to develop a superior, affordable alternative in partnership with the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

With the support of DBT-BIRAC’s funding, equity, and access to advanced research infrastructure, the innovators transformed cutting-edge biomaterial research into a clinically validated, life-saving product. FIBROPLUG launched during the Mega-international event Global Bio-India held in December 2023, was introduced in the market early 2024 with a clear focus on addressing the challenges faced in war-like conflict zones and critical care situations. FIBROPLUG is currently manufactured at a capacity of 5,000 units per month, with the potential to scale up as support and infrastructure grow.