JERUSALEM, September 29, 2025 — Lifesaving treatment for severe bleeding emergencies can now be rapidly delivered via a new tranexamic acid (TXA) autoinjector device developed by a team including the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU).
Severe bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death in trauma situations, from combat zones to highway accidents. TXA—an antifibrinolytic drug known to significantly improve survival in severe bleeding by helping to stabilize blood clots and reduce blood loss—is already widely used in hospitals, trauma centers, and by pre-hospital emergency responders. Research has shown that for every 15-minute delay in administering TXA, its effectiveness drops by 10%, underscoring the need for a faster, simpler solution. However, the standard IV method of administration can be difficult to perform in chaotic, high-stress environments, leading to dangerous delays in treatment.
According to the research published in Injury, the new autoinjector is as effective as traditional intravenous methods, but only takes five minutes and doesn’t require medical expertise. This breakthrough could transform trauma care in emergencies, making rapid, easy-to-administer treatment available in hospitals, roadside accidents, or in military situations when every second counts.
The group of researchers was led by Prof. Arik Eisenkraft and Prof. David Gertz of the HU Faculty of Medicine. The simplicity and portability of the autoinjector device allows it to be used widely by paramedics, first responders, and military medics, ensuring that TXA can be administered within the critical early minutes following severe injury.
“When someone is bleeding heavily, every minute matters,” said Dr. Eisenkraft. “With this autoinjector, even non-medical responders can administer lifesaving treatment almost instantly—and that can mean the difference between life and death.”
“This innovation could transform trauma response in the field,” added Dr. Gertz. “From roadside accidents and natural disasters to combat zones, the ability to deliver a proven treatment quickly and easily has the potential to save countless lives.”
The research paper titled “Autoinjector-Based Delivery of Tranexamic Acid Provides Pharmacokinetic Efficacy in a Porcine Model of Uncontrolled Hemorrhage” is now available in Injury and can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2025.112721.
About the Hebrew University of Jerusalem
This year marks 100 years of excellence in research, education, and innovation at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel’s premier institution of higher learning and research. The University is dedicated to advancing knowledge, fostering leadership, and promoting diversity, serving over 23,000 students from over 80 countries. As home to founder Albert Einstein’s archives, the University produces nearly 40% of Israel’s civilian scientific research and has received over 11,000 patents. Faculty and alumni of the Hebrew University have won nine Nobel Prizes and a Fields Medal, and continue to shape the future. For more information about Hebrew University’s academic programs, research, and achievements, please visit http://new.huji.ac.il/en.
About American Friends of the Hebrew University
American Friends of the Hebrew University (AFHU) is a national, not-for-profit organization based in the United States. AFHU is headquartered in New York and has seven regional offices working in close partnership with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. AFHU provides supporters, Hebrew University alumni, and the public with stimulating programs and events, and organizes missions to Israel. For the past century, the organization’s activities have supported scholarly and scientific achievement at HU, created scholarships, funded new facilities, and assisted the University’s efforts to recruit outstanding new faculty. For more information, please visit http://www.afhu.org.