B54-27 Breathing via the Gut - 6 Week Non-clinical In-vivo Study to Assess Safety and Efficacy of the Enteral Co2 Absorber RESPILIQ

Abstract Rationale We have designed a concept to use the gut as gas exchange membrane for CO2 elimination. For this purpose, we developed RESPILIQ, a suspension containing CO2 absorbing microspherules. In this study, we evaluated safety and efficacy in a large animal model for a period of 6 weeks. Methods Enteral CO2 absorber-particles in the form of microspherules, consisting of calcium hydroxide and polyethylene were prepared. These microspherules were suspended in 1.4 wt% guar gum solution.Domestic pigs received either 100 g of the microspherules as suspension or tap water with their chow three times per day for a period of 6 weeks. Animals were checked for clinical findings (behavior, respiratory rate, feces frequency and consistency, signs of abdominal discomfort) daily. Complete blood count, clinical chemistry and body weight was assessed and feces collected for analysis of CO2 uptake by the microspherules weekly. After 6 weeks, a complete necropsy was performed, and samples were taken for histology. Results Animals did not display clinical abnormalities during the duration of the experiment. Feces frequency and consistency did not differ between the intervention and control groups. Measured values for hematology and clinical chemistry remained within species-specific ranges. Body weight increased adequately in both groups. Necropsies did not reveal any test-item related findings. Microspherules eliminated 8.2 L ± 0.2 L CO2 per 100 g and the CO2 uptake remained constant during the experiment’s duration. Conclusions During this 6 week non-clinical in-vivo study, the enteral CO2 absorber exhibited a favorable safety profile and consistent efficacy. This abstract is funded by: O11 biomedical GmbH