In a breakthrough for the medical industry, Baltimore’s BC3 Technologies has developed a unique spray-on bandage called “SEAL,” designed to help healthcare professionals address severe wounds effectively. The innovative product, which received FDA clearance in February, is set to have a soft launch in the coming month.
Located in Violetville, BC3 Technologies plans to manufacture 50,000 to 100,000 cans of SEAL Hemostatic Wound Spray by year-end. CEO Wayne Grube Jr. envisions making the product available over the counter within the next 12 to 18 months. The company has already raised around $1.7 million in venture capital, backed by Quake Capital Partners and undisclosed angel investors. They now aim to secure a $10 million to $20 million Series A round to fuel further growth.
SEAL’s unique spray-on feature allows it to be used on complex wounds and even gunshot injuries, offering a significant advantage over conventional bandages. The chitosan-based formula, derived from crab shells, accelerates blood clotting and seals the wound to stop bleeding. Remarkably, the spray remains effective in outdoor environments and inclement weather, as water does not impact its performance.
The journey to bring SEAL to market took Grube a decade. After working in his family business, Baltimore-based Aerosol and Liquid Packaging, he decided to venture out on his own. Instead of entering the already crowded beauty market, Grube sought to create something more valuable to society. Collaborating with German chemists Revelino Montenegro and Thomas Freier, they embarked on the development of a new medical device.
A chance encounter with a limited partner for Quake Capital Partners at a trade show eventually led to the pre-seed funding needed to advance SEAL’s development. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, forced Grube to pivot and focus on manufacturing hand sanitizers and cleaning products, while SEAL underwent several studies for FDA approval.
With market entry now in sight, Grube is exploring international opportunities. BC3 has signed a distribution deal with South African company Merlin Med Group to introduce SEAL in Africa. Grube believes the spray could benefit rural farmers with limited access to healthcare services. In case of injuries, the SEAL spray could be applied while waiting for medical assistance.
Grube reflects on the implications of his product, stating, “We want to be successful, but with our success comes other people’s tragedy. I would like to think that our product will be picked up as a form of insurance.”
