The I-RED ASCEND2.0 FOA for 2025 Cycle

The I-RED ASCEND2.0 2025 FOA cycle drew 23 outstanding applications from a diverse range of institutions and companies. Universities represented included the University of Hawaii, University of New Mexico, University of Montana, University of Idaho, University of Nevada Reno, University of Nevada Las Vegas, New Mexico State University, and the University of Wyoming. Additionally, private-sector companies like Functional Flow Solutions LLC and Omphalos Bioscience LLC brought entrepreneurial innovation into the mix. Through a comprehensive selection process, the I-RED ASCEND2.0 Team selected the following entrepreneurs for the grant awards:

Jesse Owens 

Accelerating Biologic Production: Development of High-Efficiency CHO Cell Lines Using Komo Fast Track (FT) Technology
  • Technology Summary: This project focuses on developing the Komo Fast Track (FT) technology to improve the production of monoclonal antibodies. It uses a hyperactive integrase for site-specific gene integration in CHO cells, significantly reducing production time from months to under two weeks. The goal is to optimize the vector components to achieve titers greater than 1g/L.
  • Tech Behind It: The use of a hyperactive integrase for precise gene integration allows for faster and more efficient production of high-expressing CHO cell lines. This technique streamlines the creation of cell lines that produce antibodies, making the process quicker and more reliable.
  • Applicant Match: Dr. Jesse Owens, Assistant Professor at the University of Hawaii, specializing in Cell and Molecular Biology.
 

Blair DeBuysscher

Isolation and Characterization of Bacteriophage-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies for Treatment of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas Infection
  • Technology Summary: This proposal focuses on isolating monoclonal antibodies that target the coat protein of a bacteriophage associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria responsible for hospital-acquired infections. These antibodies aim to disrupt the phage life cycle and target Pseudomonas for destruction, offering a novel treatment for multidrug-resistant infections.
  • Tech Behind It: The strategy involves using monoclonal antibodies to target bacteriophage-associated proteins, which play a role in bacterial virulence and biofilm formation, thus enhancing the immune system's ability to clear infections.
  • Applicant Match: Dr. Blair DeBuysscher, Assistant Research Professor at the University of Montana, specializing in BMED/Center for Translational Medicine.
 

Jason McConville

Targeted Controlled Release of MEK Inhibitor for HPV-Related Precancer Treatment
  • Technology Summary: The proposal advances a MEK inhibitor hydrogel-based drug delivery system to target HPV-infected tissues directly. This approach aims to minimize systemic side effects and improve treatment efficacy for HPV-related precancer.
  • Tech Behind It: The use of a hydrogel-based drug delivery system allows for targeted, controlled release of the MEK inhibitor directly at the site of infection. This method reduces the impact on surrounding healthy tissue and limits systemic exposure.
  • Applicant Match: Dr. Jason McConville, University of New Mexico, specializing in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
 

Ruben Dagda

Optimizing a Prototypic Formulation of AdaptNeuro®: A New Disease-Modifying Intranasal Therapeutic for Parkinson’s Disease
  • Technology Summary: This project aims to refine a prototype formulation of AdaptNeuro®, an intranasal therapeutic for Parkinson's disease. The focus is on improving safety, potency, and regulatory readiness using AI, bioinformatics, and benchwork to characterize the mechanism of action. The goal is to create an IND-enabled product and develop a competitive NIH/STTR application for future submission.
  • Tech Behind It: AdaptNeuro® uses AI and bioinformatics to optimize its formulation, aiming to deliver the therapeutic directly to the brain via the intranasal route. This method potentially enhances drug delivery efficacy and reduces side effects associated with systemic administration.
  • Applicant Match: Dr. Ruben Dagda, Associate Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, specializing in Pharmacology.
 

Soojin Jun

Enhanced Preservation of Fresh Organs Unfrozen at Subzero Temperature Using Oscillating Magnetic Field-Based Supercooling Technology
  • Technology Summary: The project involves developing a supercooling technology using oscillating magnetic fields to preserve fresh organs at subzero temperatures without freezing. This technique prevents ice crystal formation, eliminating cell damage and maintaining organ viability, particularly focusing on ovarian preservation.
  • Tech Behind It: Supercooling using magnetic fields allows organs to be preserved at subzero temperatures without freezing. This method prevents ice crystal formation, which can damage cells and tissues, thereby extending the shelf life and usability of preserved organs.
  • Applicant Match: Dr. Soojin Jun, Professor at the University of Hawaii, specializing in Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal Sciences.
 

Qianyun Zhang

EcoCFTrack: Advanced Diagnostic, Monitoring, and Tracking Device for Cystic Fibrosis Care
  • Technology Summary: EcoCFTrack is a digital healthcare device designed for CF diagnosis, monitoring, and activity tracking. It uses advanced sensing technology and triboelectric nanogenerators for self-powered functionality. The device measures chloride concentrations in sweat, a key indicator for CF, and provides real-time monitoring through an onboard data logger and cloud computing integration.
  • Tech Behind It: The device uses triboelectric nanogenerators to harvest energy and amplify signals based on sweat chloride concentrations. It offers a cost-effective, patient-specific solution for continuous CF monitoring and treatment tracking, integrating advanced sensing technology and wireless communication.
  • Applicant Match: Dr. Qianyun Zhang, Assistant Professor at New Mexico State University, specializing in Civil Engineering.
 

Andrea Stierle

Preclinical Development of a Novel Antibiotic that Targets Multi-Drug Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
  • Technology Summary: This proposal focuses on developing a novel, patent-protected antibiotic called Berkeleylactone A (BPLA) that targets methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), including VISA strains. BPLA disrupts and prevents biofilm formation without inducing resistance. The project aims to synthesize BPLA and its analogs and assess their pharmacokinetics and efficacy.
  • Tech Behind It: BPLA is a novel antibiotic that targets MRSA by disrupting biofilm formation. It offers a unique mechanism of action that prevents the development of resistance, making it a promising candidate for treating multidrug-resistant infections.
  • Applicant Match: Dr. Andrea Stierle, Research Professor at the University of Montana, specializing in Biomedical Pharmaceutical Sciences.
 

Ching-An Peng

Particle-Based Separation of Extracellular Vesicles
  • Technology Summary: The project proposes a new method for isolating and purifying extracellular vesicles (EVs) using chitin particle-conjugated affinity techniques with intein-mediated splicing. This method aims to preserve the structures, characteristics, and functions of intact EVs, making it less labor-intensive and more effective than the traditional ultracentrifugation method.
  • Tech Behind It: The technology utilizes chitin particles functionalized with specific binding domains to isolate intact EVs. This approach preserves EV structures and functions, potentially enhancing their utility in various applications, including drug delivery and therapeutic use.
  • Applicant Match: Dr. Ching-An Peng, Professor at the University of Idaho, specializing in Chemical and Biological Engineering.
 

Mark Gomelsky

Antibiofilm Mouthwash for Children
  • Technology Summary: The proposal aims to develop an anticaries mouthwash for children that is free from toxic compounds, targeting dental caries. The mouthwash is designed to be safe for accidental ingestion while effectively preventing biofilm formation and tooth decay.
  • Tech Behind It: The mouthwash utilizes antibiofilm agents that are safe for children to ingest, reducing the risk associated with traditional mouthwashes. It focuses on disrupting biofilm formation, a primary factor in dental caries, without the use of harmful chemicals.
  • Applicant Match: Dr. Mark Gomelsky, Professor at the University of Wyoming, specializing in Molecular Biology.
 

Kory Grahl

A Best of All Worlds Orthodontic System
  • Technology Summary: The project aims to develop a novel orthodontic system that combines the benefits of both conventional braces and orthodontic aligners. The system uses a tooth-colored orthodontic device that can work with either aligners or conventional archwires, allowing for selective treatment phases.
  • Tech Behind It: The device is designed to function as both an aligner attachment and a traditional orthodontic bracket, providing the versatility to switch between treatment modalities. This innovation aims to improve treatment efficiency and patient outcomes by offering a combined approach to orthodontics.
  • Applicant Match: Dr. Kory Grahl, Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, specializing in Dental Medicine.