For unlucky mountaineers, tundra explorers, and the unhoused, a new drug could avert the ravages of frostbite

Two days after his right hand froze, Hart Bezner realized for the first time that he might lose it.

The retired physics professor was sitting in an emergency room in Whitehorse, the capital of Canada’s Yukon territory, where two doctors and a pharmacist were taking an unusual amount of interest in the appendage and the pink blisters that now covered it. 

“Will I lose my hand?” he remembers asking. “Will this go away?”

STAT+ Exclusive Story

Already have an account? Log in

This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus daily coverage and analysis of the biotech sector — by subscribing to STAT+.

Already have an account? Log in

Already have an account? Log in

Individual plans

Group plans

Monthly

$39

Totals $468 per year

$39/month Get Started

Totals $468 per year

Starter

$30

for 3 months, then $39/month

$30 for 3 months Get Started

Then $39/month

Annual

$399

Save 15%

$399/year Get Started

Save 15%

11+ Users

Custom

Savings start at 25%!

Request A Quote Request A Quote

Savings start at 25%!

2-10 Users

$300

Annually per user

$300/year Get Started

$300 Annually per user

View All Plans

Get unlimited access to award-winning journalism and exclusive events.

Subscribe

Log In