Dr. Franck Zal, a French inventor, is a finalist for the European Inventor Award for HEMHealing, a pioneering burn gel derived from the blood of Brittany-sourced lugworms. This gel, which utilizes a protein with exceptional oxygen-carrying capacity, has proven highly effective in treating severe burns, notably aiding victims of the 2026 Crans-Montana bar fire. Zal's inspiration stemmed from observing lugworms' remarkable ability to survive out of water for extended periods. HEMHealing received early European approval due to its humanitarian impact, offering targeted oxygenation to wounds and promoting new skin formation, thereby reducing the need for amputations in severe cases. Hemarina, Zal's company, continues to develop other worm blood-based products for various medical applications.