 Hemospan has been shown to improve the oxygenation of tissues by preserving functional capillary density. In addition, Hemospan has a high affinity for oxygen - a feature that is specifically designed to target the unloading of oxygen in the microcirculation where local PO2 levels are much lower e.g., in ischemic regions. Since Hemospan is a cell-free oxygen carrier, it should be able to perfuse capillaries that are so constricted that red blood cells are unable to flow through them. 