2418194
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
SBIR Phase I: A computational framework to mitigate protein aggregation
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the significant and persistent challenge of protein aggregation in the development of protein therapeutics, which can impede therapeutic efficacy and increase manufacturing costs.
Protein-based therapies hold immense promise for treating a wide range of diseases due to their specificity and potency.
However, their development is frequently hampered by aberrant aggregation, which can lead to loss of function and immunogenic responses.
This project proposes a novel computational platform that predicts aggregation-prone sites and, critically, suggests specific mutational mitigation strategies to stabilize proteins without altering their therapeutic function.
The successful development of this technology has the potential to significantly reduce the time and possible cost associated with drug development, enhancing the availability of effective treatments and supporting the health and welfare of the population.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on advancing a computational platform that leverages state-of-the-art simulations and a modern understanding of the physics of protein hydration to identify and mitigate problematic aggregation sites in therapeutic proteins.
The project aims to validate and enhance the platform's predictive capabilities through a comprehensive analysis involving a diverse dataset of proteins.
In particular, this project will focus on developing the abilities of the technology to identify transient protein interfaces likely to mediate aggregation and to suggest rigorous mutational strategies to mitigate aggregation without disrupting biological function and therapeutic efficacy.
The expected outcomes include a scientifically validated tool that can reliably predict and correct aggregation issues early in the drug development process.
By improving the stability and efficacy of biologic therapeutics, this technology has the potential to have a significant commercial impact on the fast-growing biopharmaceutical market.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Subawards are not planned for this award.
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the significant and persistent challenge of protein aggregation in the development of protein therapeutics, which can impede therapeutic efficacy and increase manufacturing costs.
Protein-based therapies hold immense promise for treating a wide range of diseases due to their specificity and potency.
However, their development is frequently hampered by aberrant aggregation, which can lead to loss of function and immunogenic responses.
This project proposes a novel computational platform that predicts aggregation-prone sites and, critically, suggests specific mutational mitigation strategies to stabilize proteins without altering their therapeutic function.
The successful development of this technology has the potential to significantly reduce the time and possible cost associated with drug development, enhancing the availability of effective treatments and supporting the health and welfare of the population.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on advancing a computational platform that leverages state-of-the-art simulations and a modern understanding of the physics of protein hydration to identify and mitigate problematic aggregation sites in therapeutic proteins.
The project aims to validate and enhance the platform's predictive capabilities through a comprehensive analysis involving a diverse dataset of proteins.
In particular, this project will focus on developing the abilities of the technology to identify transient protein interfaces likely to mediate aggregation and to suggest rigorous mutational strategies to mitigate aggregation without disrupting biological function and therapeutic efficacy.
The expected outcomes include a scientifically validated tool that can reliably predict and correct aggregation issues early in the drug development process.
By improving the stability and efficacy of biologic therapeutics, this technology has the potential to have a significant commercial impact on the fast-growing biopharmaceutical market.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Subawards are not planned for this award.
Awardee
Funding Goals
THE GOAL OF THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, "NSF SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH (SBIR)/ SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) PROGRAMS PHASE I", IS IDENTIFIED IN THE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.NSF.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/PUB_SUMM.JSP?ODS_KEY=NSF23515
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
19122-1650
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Protein Design Solutions was awarded
Project Grant 2418194
worth $274,640
from National Science Foundation in September 2024 with work to be completed primarily in Philadelphia Pennsylvania United States.
The grant
has a duration of 1 year and
was awarded through assistance program 47.084 NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Programs.
SBIR Details
Research Type
SBIR Phase I
Title
SBIR Phase I: A computational framework to mitigate protein aggregation
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Phase I project addresses the significant and persistent challenge of protein aggregation in the
development of protein therapeutics, which can impede therapeutic efficacy and increase
manufacturing costs. Protein-based therapies hold immense promise for treating a wide range
of diseases due to their specificity and potency. However, their development is frequently
hampered by aberrant aggregation, which can lead to loss of function and immunogenic
responses. This project proposes a novel computational platform that predicts aggregation-prone
sites and, critically, suggest specific mutational mitigation strategies to stabilize proteins
without altering their therapeutic function. The successful development of this technology has
the potential to significantly reduce the time and possible cost associated with drug development,
enhancing the availability of effective treatments and supporting the health and welfare of the
population.
This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will focus on advancing a
computational platform that leverages state-of-the-art simulations and a modern
understanding of the physics of protein hydration to identify and mitigate problematic
aggregation sites in therapeutic proteins. The project aims to validate and enhance the
platform's predictive capabilities through a comprehensive analysis involving a diverse dataset
of proteins. In particular, this project will focus on developing the abilities of the technology to
identify transient protein interfaces likely to mediate aggregation and to suggest rigorous
mutational strategies to mitigate aggregation without disrupting biological function and
therapeutic efficacy. The expected outcomes include a scientifically validated tool that can
reliably predict and correct aggregation issues early in the drug development process. By
improving the stability and efficacy of biologic therapeutics, this technology has the potential to
have a significant commercial impact on the fast-growing biopharmaceutical market.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Topic Code
BT
Solicitation Number
NSF 23-515
Status
(Complete)
Last Modified 9/17/24
Period of Performance
9/1/24
Start Date
8/31/25
End Date
Funding Split
$274.6K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$274.6K
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
2418194
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Small Business
Awarding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Funding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Awardee UEI
T5J3UF8J6C63
Awardee CAGE
9Q136
Performance District
PA-02
Senators
Robert Casey
John Fetterman
John Fetterman
Modified: 9/17/24