Mr. Grube serves as CEO and co-founder of BC3 Technologies. As Vice President of Baltimore-based Aerosol and Liquid Packaging, Mr. Grube has robust experience in project ideation, development, and execution with specific background in chemistry and federal regulation. Mr. Grube has deep knowledge of commercialization from his experience in manufacturing, large-scale consumer and B2B retail, and finance.
Q: What is BC3 Technologies? What do you do and why do you do it? Please share your company’s mission.
BC3 Technologies is a pioneering biotechnology firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, focused on developing innovative medical solutions to urgent healthcare needs. Our flagship product, the SEAL Hemostatic Wound Spray, is an FDA-cleared aerosolized spray designed to rapidly stop traumatic bleeding in emergency situations. Our mission is to enhance the survivability and recovery of individuals experiencing severe bleeding, whether in a medical facility, on the battlefield, or in everyday emergencies. We are driven by a commitment to save lives and improve outcomes in critical care through groundbreaking products that combine advanced science with practical application.
Q: You began your career in aerosol and liquid packaging. What encouraged you to establish BC3 Technologies and its products?
My journey into founding BC3 Technologies was a natural progression from my background and experience at Aerosol and Liquid Packaging. Working alongside my brother Lee, BC3’s COO, at our family business, I realized we wanted to make something of our own that would be impactful. The idea for BC3 Technologies emerged when I recognized the significant unmet need for rapid, effective bleeding control in trauma situations. Encouraged by my experiences and collaborations with experts like Dr. Thomas Freier BC3’s CTO (Chief Technology Officer) and Dr. Rivelino Montenegro BC3’s CRO (Chief Research Officer), who specialize in chitosan-based solutions, we saw an opportunity to innovate within the medical field. We aimed to create a product that could save lives by leveraging the unique properties of aerosol delivery systems, leading to the development of SEAL Hemostatic Wound Spray. This venture was not just about advancing technology, but about creating solutions that could make a real difference in critical moments.
Q: Can you tell us a little about your product and how it will assist with the international unmet medical need for managing life-threatening arterial bleed?
SEAL Hemostatic Wound Spray, our flagship product at BC3 Technologies, addresses a critical international medical need rapidly controlling life-threatening arterial bleeds in emergency and austere environments. This innovative aerosolized spray deploys a uniquely activated chitosan based hemostatic agent, which, upon contact with blood, forms a robust adhesive seal over the wound. This capability is particularly vital in scenarios where traditional methods may be too slow or impractical. By stopping severe bleeding within seconds, SEAL significantly enhances survival rates, especially in situations where immediate medical response is delayed. This product is designed to be easy to use, allowing both medical professionals and laypersons to provide prompt, life-saving treatment, thus bridging the gap in emergency medical care on a global scale.
Q: Throughout the company’s growth, what were some of the challenges you experienced and how did you resolve them?
Throughout BC3 Technologies’ growth, we faced numerous challenges, from navigating the rigorous FDA regulatory process to establishing credibility in a highly competitive medical device market. One significant hurdle was securing funding during the R&D phase to bring our innovative aerosolized hemostatic spray to market. We overcame this by leveraging personal connections, partnerships, and the expertise of our team to demonstrate the product’s potential and secure early investments.
Another challenge was breaking into established distribution networks and overcoming skepticism from potential customers unfamiliar with our new technology. To address this, we focused on education and field demonstrations, partnering with respected institutions and end-users to validate SEAL’s efficacy in real-world conditions. These collaborations not only helped us gain trust but also paved the way for protocol changes in states like Maryland.
Lastly, like many startups, we had to manage resource limitations while building our team and scaling operations. By fostering a collaborative culture and relying on the complementary skill sets of our leadership and partners, we were able to stay agile and effectively tackle obstacles as they arose. These experiences have made us more resilient and better prepared for future growth.
Q: What was the most significant factors that contributed to BC3 Technologies’ growth and success over the years?
The most significant factors contributing to BC3 Technologies’ growth and success have been innovation, collaboration, and perseverance. Our ability to identify an unmet need in the medical field and develop SEAL, the first FDA-cleared aerosolized hemostatic wound spray, set us apart as pioneers in the industry. Leveraging the expertise of our diverse team, including specialists in chitosan chemistry and aerosol technology, allowed us to create a product that is both effective and easy to use in high-stress situations.
Collaboration has been a cornerstone of BC3 Technologies’ success, allowing us to validate SEAL in some of the most challenging real-world environments. By partnering with esteemed organizations such as Shock Trauma, MIEMSS, and international entities in Israel, Ukraine, and South Africa, we have demonstrated the effectiveness of SEAL in diverse scenarios, including active conflict zones and regions with limited medical infrastructure.
In Ukraine, SEAL proved invaluable on the battlefield, where traditional interventions like hemostatic gauze and tourniquets often fall short under the extreme conditions of war. Unlike gauze, which requires precise application and packing, SEAL’s aerosolized delivery allows for rapid and effective deployment even in low-light or high-stress situations. This simplicity and speed of application were game-changing for medics and soldiers dealing with arterial bleeds in austere environments.
Similarly, in South Africa and Israel, SEAL has been deployed in settings where emergency medical response times can vary greatly. The product’s ability to instantly bond with blood and form a hemostatic seal without causing additional harm—such as the exothermic reactions common with other interventions—made it a superior choice. Its ease of use allowed non-medical personnel to administer life-saving treatment effectively, bridging the gap in regions where professional medical care might be delayed.
These collaborations have not only enhanced the credibility of SEAL but have also highlighted its versatility and efficiency compared to traditional methods. By addressing the shortcomings of existing interventions, SEAL has opened doors to new markets and solidified its role as a transformative solution in hemorrhage control. This global validation reinforces our commitment to developing innovative, practical, and effective medical technologies to save lives worldwide.
Lastly, perseverance played a crucial role in our growth and success. From overcoming regulatory hurdles to educating skeptics about our technology, we remained steadfast in our mission to save lives. This unwavering commitment, combined with support from distributors, investors, and state agencies, has allowed BC3 Technologies to thrive and continue innovating for the future.
Q: What are BC3 Technologies’ growth plans? BC3 Technologies is charting an ambitious path forward, driven by a mission to save lives and make a tangible impact on the world. Our growth plans focus on expanding our product offerings, strengthening our distribution networks, and entering new markets with solutions that redefine hemorrhage control and trauma care. Building on the success of SEAL, our flagship hemostatic spray, we are pushing boundaries to develop transformative technologies, including innovations in burn care and infection detection, ensuring that our products meet the urgent needs of both military and civilian applications.
Domestically, we are committed to embedding SEAL into public safety and healthcare systems, working hand-in-hand with EMS, police, and fire departments to integrate our life-saving solutions into their protocols. Internationally, we are scaling our presence by pursuing regulatory approvals in critical regions like Europe, Asia, and Latin America, addressing the global demand for cutting-edge hemorrhage control interventions. These efforts reflect our unwavering dedication to improving survivability in the moments that matter most.
This journey has been 15 years in the making—a relentless process of innovation, dedication, and perseverance. At any point, we could have abandoned this path, chosen something else, or done nothing at all. But we didn’t. We chose to push forward because we saw the unnecessary deaths caused by exsanguination and knew we could make a difference. Today, it is deeply fulfilling to see SEAL deployed and saving lives, not just on battlefields but also on our streets, in schools, and in homes.
There is a critical need for SEAL right here in our home state, and we are proud to serve the people of Maryland. It means the world to us to know that our work is making a difference in the communities where we live and work. We are proud to be Marylanders, contributing to a safer, healthier future for our state while setting an example for the rest of the nation.
What makes this journey profoundly meaningful is how it aligns with the original vision that sparked BC3 Technologies—to create something impactful that supports our community. As a minority-owned biotech company, it is an honor and a privilege to make a difference at home, taking care of the people in my own community. This isn’t just about innovation; it’s about representation, about showing what’s possible when passion, ingenuity, and purpose intersect. I am proud that BC3 Technologies stands as a beacon for underserved and underrepresented communities, demonstrating that a business built on compassion and determination can truly change lives. We are here to save lives, support our community, and inspire a future where every life counts. And we will continue to push forward, proving that meaningful change is worth every effort, every challenge, and every moment of persistence.
