Latest news with #STTR
Business Wire
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Neucore Bio Awarded Competitive Grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) for Research on Scalability of Exosome-based Therapeutics for Genetic Disease
COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Neucore Bio, an early-stage biotechnology company advancing the therapeutic potential of non-viral, engineered exosomes, announced today the receipt of a $304,000 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I grant to evaluate scalable manufacturing efficiencies to deliver exosome-based therapeutics for challenging genetic disorders affecting the peripheral nerve system (PNS). Advanced precision medicines that correct genetic mutations or aberrations offer the promise of transformative outcomes for challenging PNS disorders, including neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), which have very few therapeutic options today. Non-viral, extracellular vesicle (EV)-delivery approaches like exosomes are highly attractive given their ability to precisely deliver genetic cargo to target cell types without the limitations inherent to viral vector delivery. Yet broad translational application of EV-based therapeutics requires the development of scalable and efficient manufacturing methods. Neucore's proprietary Fibroblast-Derived Engineering Extracellular Vesicles (FiXE™) platform is based on the cellular engineering of primary fibroblast cells to produce engineered EVs (eEVs) that provide unparalleled cell-targeting delivery. As part of this STTR Phase I project grant, Neucore will pursue new protocols for cost-effective, large-scale production of eEVs under GMP guidance and in collaboration with Neucore scientific partners from The Ohio State University, Dr. Natalia Higuita-Castro and Dr. Daniel Gallego-Perez. The team will aim to optimize eEV production parameters and demonstrate the efficacy of the approach to produce eEVs with enhanced capabilities to target Schwann Cells (SCs) specifically, given their relevance to disorders of the PNS. 'NSF accelerates the translation of emerging technologies into transformative new products and services,' said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF Assistant Director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. 'We take great pride in funding deep-technology startups and small businesses that will shape science and engineering results into meaningful solutions for today and tomorrow.' 'Our goal with this project is to reduce the manufacturing complexity and cost of eEV-based therapeutics, which presents a barrier to accessible, scalable treatments that could offer significant benefit for people affected by a wide range of genetic diseases,' said Kenneth Morand, Ph.D., Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Neucore Bio. 'We are grateful to the NSF for its recognition of the need for progress in this area and look forward to sharing our results with the community.' All proposals submitted to the NSF SBIR/STTR program, also known as America's Seed Fund powered by NSF, undergo a rigorous merit-based review process. Once a small business is awarded a Phase I grant, it becomes eligible to apply for Phase II funding and additional supplements totaling up to $2 million. To get started, startups or entrepreneurs submit a written Project Pitch to see if their technology idea could be a good fit for the program. To learn more about America's Seed Fund powered by NSF, visit: NSF has several programs that help accelerate the translation of research results to practice and provide pathways for researchers, startups and aspiring entrepreneurs to move their ideas from the laboratory to the market and society. To learn more about how NSF helps unlock future technologies for national and societal impact, visit: About the U.S. National Science Foundation's Small Business Programs America's Seed Fund powered by NSF awards more than $200 million annually to startups and small businesses, transforming scientific discovery into products and services with commercial and societal impact. Startups working across almost all areas of science and technology can receive up to $2 million to support research and development, helping de-risk technology for commercial success. America's Seed Fund is congressionally mandated through the Small Business Innovation Research program. The NSF is an independent federal agency with a budget of about $9.5 billion that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. About Neucore Bio Neucore Bio, Inc., is an early-stage biotechnology company advancing nonviral, engineered exosomes to power the next generation of genetic medicine and aesthetic dermatology solutions. The company's proprietary platform harnesses the innate programmability of fibroblasts and the natural intercellular signaling of exosomes to deliver nucleic acid therapeutics for disease modification and skin rejuvenation - unlocking new era of performance-driven genetic medicine and functional skincare. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Neucore has licensed novel exosome technology from The Ohio State University to power its disruptive discovery pipeline. For more information, visit
Globe and Mail
29-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Mblue Labs(R) Awarded U.S. Patent for Methylene Blue as Novel UV Sunscreen That Prevents Photo-Aging and Promotes Skin Repair
Bethesda, Maryland--(Newsfile Corp. - July 29, 2025) - Mblue Labs, the biotech company behind the science-driven skincare brand Bluelene has been granted a U.S. Patent for its discovery of Methylene Blue as a multifunctional UV blocking agent that not only protects skin from sun radiation, but also delays skin aging and promotes DNA damage repair. This milestone stems from research that began in 2020, supported by a small business STTR grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), with the goal to develop a safer, more effective alternative to conventional chemical UV filters like Oxybenzone. Oxybenzone and its derivatives are found in over 70% of today's sunscreens yet are increasingly banned due to their potential human health risks and environmental harms, especially to marine ecosystems. The researchers at Mblue Labs discovered that Methylene Blue, a century old medicine, offers broad-spectrum UV irradiation protection against UVA and UVB rays, neutralizes ROS (Free Radicals), and repairs UV irradiation induced DNA damages, while being safe for coral reefs. Their paper, "Ultraviolet radiation protection potentials of Methylene Blue for human skin and coral reef health " was published in Nature's Scientific Reports. "This patent validates our commitment to redefining sun care with smart, effective, and planet- safe science," says Dr. Kan Cao, Professor at the University of Maryland and Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Mblue Labs. "Our formula goes beyond surface protection to address the molecular triggers of skin health and aging." In 2022, Mblue Labs launched " Bluevado SunFix", its first anti-aging sunscreen combining FDA-approved physical filters, Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, with an optimized dosage of Methylene Blue. Bluevado SunFix has garnered a loyal, worldwide following of consumers who seek a sustainable, science-based suncare product with exceptional efficacy. "Our Vision for this novel multifunction sunscreen was deeply rooted in our concern for coral reefs and the skin health of our customers. Bluevado SunFix has been delivering superb broad spectrum UVB/UVA protection and post sun repair, as well as the full anti-aging benefits of our Bluelene Moisturizer with the same cosmetic elegance," says Jasmin EL Kordi, CEO Mblue Labs. This patent adds to the company's IP, which includes the patent for Methylene Blue used topically on human skin to treat age-related symptoms This milestone further positions Bluelene ® as a leader in science-based skincare and a champion of environmentally responsible innovation. The company is now actively pursuing regulatory pathways to get Methylene Blue included in the FDA sunscreen monograph, enabling broader access to its skin- and planet-friendly benefits. About Mblue Labs + Bluelene MBlue Labs provides revolutionary anti-aging technology to consumers around the world. The company's clinical skincare brand Bluelene uses patented ingredient Methylene Blue to repair and protect skin on the mitochondrial level, in the only optimized and trusted concentration on the market. Mblue Labs' research demonstrates Methylene Blue as the new retinol challenger for anti-aging treatments. For more about Dr. Cao's groundbreaking research, see the recently published cover story "The Age of Skin". This research was supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Technology Transfer Grant (Grant: 1842745). This press release does not necessarily represent the views of the NSF. The research for this invention was conducted jointly by researchers at Mblue Labs and the University of Maryland. For media inquiries or product information, contact:
Yahoo
29-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mblue Labs(R) Awarded U.S. Patent for Methylene Blue as Novel UV Sunscreen That Prevents Photo-Aging and Promotes Skin Repair
Bethesda, Maryland--(Newsfile Corp. - July 29, 2025) - Mblue Labs, the biotech company behind the science-driven skincare brand Bluelene has been granted a U.S. Patent for its discovery of Methylene Blue as a multifunctional UV blocking agent that not only protects skin from sun radiation, but also delays skin aging and promotes DNA damage repair. This milestone stems from research that began in 2020, supported by a small business STTR grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), with the goal to develop a safer, more effective alternative to conventional chemical UV filters like Oxybenzone. Oxybenzone and its derivatives are found in over 70% of today's sunscreens yet are increasingly banned due to their potential human health risks and environmental harms, especially to marine ecosystems. The researchers at Mblue Labs discovered that Methylene Blue, a century old medicine, offers broad-spectrum UV irradiation protection against UVA and UVB rays, neutralizes ROS (Free Radicals), and repairs UV irradiation induced DNA damages, while being safe for coral reefs. Their paper, "Ultraviolet radiation protection potentials of Methylene Blue for human skin and coral reef health " was published in Nature's Scientific Reports. "This patent validates our commitment to redefining sun care with smart, effective, and planet- safe science," says Dr. Kan Cao, Professor at the University of Maryland and Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Mblue Labs. "Our formula goes beyond surface protection to address the molecular triggers of skin health and aging." In 2022, Mblue Labs launched "Bluevado SunFix", its first anti-aging sunscreen combining FDA-approved physical filters, Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, with an optimized dosage of Methylene Blue. Bluevado SunFix has garnered a loyal, worldwide following of consumers who seek a sustainable, science-based suncare product with exceptional efficacy. "Our Vision for this novel multifunction sunscreen was deeply rooted in our concern for coral reefs and the skin health of our customers. Bluevado SunFix has been delivering superb broad spectrum UVB/UVA protection and post sun repair, as well as the full anti-aging benefits of our Bluelene Moisturizer with the same cosmetic elegance," says Jasmin EL Kordi, CEO Mblue Labs. This patent adds to the company's IP, which includes the patent for Methylene Blue used topically on human skin to treat age-related symptoms This milestone further positions Bluelene ® as a leader in science-based skincare and a champion of environmentally responsible innovation. The company is now actively pursuing regulatory pathways to get Methylene Blue included in the FDA sunscreen monograph, enabling broader access to its skin- and planet-friendly benefits. About Mblue Labs + Bluelene MBlue Labs provides revolutionary anti-aging technology to consumers around the world. The company's clinical skincare brand Bluelene uses patented ingredient Methylene Blue to repair and protect skin on the mitochondrial level, in the only optimized and trusted concentration on the market. Mblue Labs' research demonstrates Methylene Blue as the new retinol challenger for anti-aging treatments. For more about Dr. Cao's groundbreaking research, see the recently published cover story "The Age of Skin". This research was supported by a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Technology Transfer Grant (Grant: 1842745). This press release does not necessarily represent the views of the NSF. The research for this invention was conducted jointly by researchers at Mblue Labs and the University of Maryland. For media inquiries or product information, contact: More at: and @getbluelene on social Media Contact Information Jasmin El KordiJasmin@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Wire
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
AIRIA Announces $1.8 Million AFWERX Contract
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AIRIA ( announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a STTR Phase II contract in the amount of $1.8 million focused on Research and Development for AI-Driven Spatial Analytics Solutions to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now in, May 2025, AIRIA will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America. AIRIA ( is humbled and excited by the opportunity to develop technology to be used by the United States Air Force to improve situational awareness and operational excellence. Share 'AIRIA is humbled and excited by the opportunity to develop technology to be used by the United States Air Force to improve situational awareness and operational excellence. Our growing team is hard at work, building innovative Operational AI software to help protect American people, personnel and interests in collaboration with the US Air Force.' Edward Nass, CEO The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government. About AIRIA AIRIA is an Operational AI company turning real-time signal data into spatial insights for enterprise and government. From campuses to command centers, our software powers smarter operations, live occupancy awareness, and mission-critical decision-making. Founded in 2020, AIRIA is trusted by commercial and DoD customers alike. For more information, visit About AFRL The Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace forces. With a workforce spanning across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit About AFWERX As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at four hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit:
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Solideon Announces $1.25 Million AFWERX Contract
BERKELEY, Calif., June 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(Additive Space Technologies Inc., d.b.a. Solideon) announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a Direct-to-Phase II contract in the amount of $1.25 million focused on developing a single pallet additive manufacturing cell that is capable of flexibly manufacturing critical systems across expeditionary environments. to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018, which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded, and now, on May 21st, 2025, Additive Space Technologies Inc, d.b.a Solideon will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America. Quote From Company "The future of industrial power isn't centralized — it's deployable. This award is a signal that the Department of the Air Force is ready to break from the past and lead with agility. With this contract, we're building the foundation for a world where manufacturing happens not in factories but wherever the mission demands — from airbases to shipyards and, eventually, orbit." CEO Oluseun Taiwo The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government. About Additive Space Technologies Inc., d.b.a. Solideon Solideon is revolutionizing manufacturing by transforming readily available robotic arms into multi-robotic-enabled factories. This innovative approach empowers end-users with the capability to robotically weld, fabricate, and assemble entire structures on-site. By doing so, Solideon is fundamentally reshaping how the industrial base approaches the manufacturing of critical assets, such as ships, submarines, and other large vehicles. About AFRL The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space, and cyberspace forces. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit About AFWERX As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at four hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts worth more than $7.24 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit: View source version on Contacts Company Press Contact: Kait EwoldtCreative Director and Strategic Erreur lors de la récupération des données Connectez-vous pour accéder à votre portefeuille Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données Erreur lors de la récupération des données
