ResVita Bio Awarded NIAID Grant for Atopic Dermatitis Research

ResVita Bio announced that it has been awarded a $250,000 phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID).¹ ResVita Bio is developing RVB-101, which is a genetically engineered cell therapy for treating severe atopic dermatitis (AD).

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RVB-101 is applied topically, allowing cells to temporarily colonize the skin and continuously release proteins that rebuild the epidermal barrier and relieve inflammation.¹ The genetically engineered cells are contained within a moisturizer formulation. The technology targets underlying protein imbalances that lead to aging and disease.² 

"Within a year, we have been honored to receive 2 innovation grants from the [National Institutes of Health] NIH to develop therapies for both Netherton Syndrome, an orphan disease, and severe atopic dermatitis through our topical cell therapy approach," said Amin Zargar, PhD, and chief executive officer of ResVita Bio in a press release. "This is in addition to our Rare Pediatric Disease Designation for Netherton Syndrome from the FDA, setting the stage for the entry of our therapy into the clinic in 2025."

ResVita Bio approaches treatment by using proprietary cells that have been dermatologically tested and determined to be non-irritating and non-allergenic. The ResVita Bio cells can be washed off at any time allowing for flexibility and safety.²

ResVita Bio launched in June 2022 as a synthetic biology startup with a goal of restoring and maintaining the health of skin through cellular therapies that could be applied topically. By genetically programming living cells, the company seeks to repair diseased skin and reduce inflammation in skin diseases including AD, acne rosacea, psoriasis, and Netherton Syndrome.

"Continuous production of therapeutic proteins can be a game-changer in disease treatment, and ResVita Bio has made remarkable progress bringing their platform to the cusp of the clinic,” said Steven Lo, biopharmaceutical executive and member of the ResVita Bio advisory board in a press release.

ResVita Bio has been the recipient of the Bakar Innovation Fellowship, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases SBIR award, the NIAIA SBIR award, and the AbbVie Golden Ticket at University of California, Berkeley’s Bakar Labs.

References

1. ResVita Bio receives NIH grant to develop breakthrough treatment for severe atopic dermatitis. News release. September 18, 2023. Accessed September 19, 2023. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/resvita-bio-receives-nih-grant-to-develop-breakthrough-treatment-for-severe-atopic-dermatitis-301929130.html
2. ResVitabio.com. Accessed September 19, 2023. https://resvitabio.com/