Three University of Iowa-based startups — Halide Biologics, Zwicoat Materials Innovations, and Geminii Health — have been awarded Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), totaling over $960,000. These grants will help each company to accelerate their medical innovations.
Halide Biologics: Targeted Fluorination for Improved Pharmacology of Enzyme Replacement Therapies
Halide Biologics – awarded $306,873 – is addressing challenges in recombinant protein therapeutics (RPTs), essential treatments for diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders. These therapies often face high costs and stability issues, limiting their effectiveness. Halide’s targeted fluorination technique incorporates fluorine atoms into proteins, enhancing stability and allowing longer-lasting effects with fewer doses.
Zwicoat Materials Innovations: Durable Zwitterionic Coatings: Dramatic Reduction of Implant-Induced Inflammation and Fibrosis
Zwicoat Materials Innovations – awarded $306,864 – is developing a thin-film coating technology to improve the performance, safety, and longevity of medical implants. By applying zwitterionic polymers to devices like cochlear implants and endotracheal tubes, Zwicoat’s coatings aim to reduce the risks of scarring and infection, issues commonly associated with traditional implant materials.
Geminii Health: Electromagnetic Reprogramming of Systemic Metabolism for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes
Geminii Health – awarded approximately $350,000 – is developing a non-invasive therapy for diabetes management. Their technology aims to reduce blood sugar levels and reverse insulin resistance without the need for pills or injections, potentially transforming diabetes care and advancing personalized medicine.
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The National Institutes of Health’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is designed to drive innovation by funding small businesses engaged in biomedical research and development. Since the founding of the Office of Innovation in 2019, the University of Iowa has seen an increase in SBIR grant funding, with an annual average of $4,939,728 awarded to University of Iowa startups.