FibrosIX Inc. Awarded Competitive Grant from the National Science Foundation
Small Business Innovation Research Program Provides Seed Funding for R&D
East Lansing, Michigan, March 1, 2021 – FribrosIX has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant for $256,000 to conduct research and development (R&D) work on quieting systemic mis-regulation of the immune system, a potential life-threatening side effect of viral pneumonias like Covid-19.
FibrosIX is a preclinical start-up focused on developing novel small-molecule therapeutics targeting fibrotic diseases through inflammatory and pro-fibrotic pathways. With this dual mechanism, FibrosIX therapeutics may quiet the initial inflammation associated with viral pneumonias and prevent longer term consequences related to pulmonary fibrosis, an increasing problem for Covid-19 survivors. A successful treatment would reduce the burden of hyper-inflammation on the healthcare system and improve individual patient outcomes.
“NSF is proud to support the technology of the future by thinking beyond incremental developments and funding the most creative, impactful ideas across all markets and areas of science and engineering,” said Andrea Belz, Division Director of the Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships at NSF. “With the support of our research funds, any deep technology startup or small business can guide basic science into meaningful solutions that address tremendous needs.”
“After the global crisis precipitated by Covid-19, the team at FibrosIX is excited to explore ways in which our technology can prevent future pandemics, with the support of the NSF, and make a positive impact on our society,” said Kendell Pawelec, CEO of FibrosIX.
Once a small business is awarded a Phase I SBIR/STTR grant (up to $256,000), it becomes eligible to apply for a Phase II (up to $1,000,000). Small businesses with Phase II funding are eligible to receive up to $500,000 in additional matching funds with qualifying third-party investment or sales.
Startups or entrepreneurs who submit a three-page Project Pitch will know within one month if they meet the program’s objectives to support innovative technologies that show promise of commercial and/or societal impact and involve a level of technical risk. Small businesses with innovative science and technology solutions, and commercial potential are encouraged to apply. 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. To learn more about America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF, visit: https://seedfund.nsf.gov/
About the National Science Foundation’s Small Business Programs: America’s Seed Fund powered by NSF awards $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 (R&D), helping de-risk technology for commercial success. America’s Seed Fund is congressionally mandated through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The NSF is an independent federal agency with a budget of about $8.5 billion that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering.