WACO, TX — A Baylor associate professor has patented a drug that could save the lives of service members and those who are critically injured.

The first hour after a serious injury can mean life or death for the injured. For service members and non-service members in remote places, far from a hospital, that "golden hour" is critical.

Dr. Erica Bruce, an associate professor of environmental science at Baylor, has patented a drug that could increase the golden hour from 60 minutes to 72 hours.

Severe injury often comes with severe blood loss, or hemorrhaging, meaning the organs quickly lose oxygen due to the loss of blood. Dr. Bruce's drug helps cure that problem by delivering oxygen throughout the body.

The drug comes in a lightweight, powdered form that can be carried to remote areas and be readily available when needed. The drug also works with any blood type.

Dr. Bruce partnered with the Department of Defense and Hemotek, LLC for the project.

Dr. Bruce's team is continuing to conduct studies on the drug and examine the way the body heals in different altitudes or environmental conditions.