REACT Teaming Profiles

Thank you for showing an interest in ARPA-H’s Resilient Extended Automatic Cell Therapies (REACT) program. This page is designed to help facilitate connections between prospective proposers. Teaming submissions for REACT are now closed.

REACT anticipates that teaming will be necessary to achieve the goals of the program. Prospective performers are encouraged (but not required) to form teams with varied technical expertise to submit a proposal to the REACT Module Announcement.

Please note that by publishing the public teaming profiles list, ARPA-H is not endorsing, sponsoring, or otherwise evaluating the qualifications of the individuals or organizations included here. Submissions to the teaming profiles list are reviewed and updated periodically.

Interested in learning more about the REACT program?

Teaming Profiles List

To narrow the results in the Teaming Profiles List, please use the input below to filter results based on your search term. The list will filter as you type.

Organization Contact Information Location Describe your organization's current research focus areas Tell us what your organization can add to REACT and potential teaming partners Tell us about your organization's strengths and experience Tell us what your organization is looking for in potential teaming partners Which technical areas within REACT does your organization have the capacity to address?
Cornell University Minglin Ma (mm826@cornell.edu) Ithaca, NY We are working on engineering approaches to enhance the function and extend the lifetime of immunosuppression-free, cellular implants. We can bring our expertise in immunosuppression-free cell delivery including design of high capacity, minimally invasive encapsulation device, continuous oxygenation, vascularization and local immunomodulation. Our strengths and experience are all in cell delivery including design and engineering of cell delivery devices, continuous oxygenation, engineering approaches to promote vascularization, cellular engineering for localized immunomodulation.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
Systems & Technology Research (STR) Kirsty A. McFarland, PhD. (kirsty.mcfarland@str.us) Woburn, MA Sensing (optical, ultrasound, IR, electromagnetic, and acoustic) at the interface with biology, signal processing, embedded systems, systems integration, secure communication, and cybersecurity. STR is an R&D firm in Woburn, MA with a proven track record of developing and operationally deploying advanced technologies for government and commercial customers. STR is an experienced and successful performer on ARPA programs that is available to provide sensing capabilities, together with signal processing, data analytics, and systems engineering support to partners on the REACT program. STR is a current ARPA-H prime performer on DIGIHEALS and a top-4 contractor at DARPA, with extensive past performance in the sensing, analytics, cybersecurity, and systems engineering domains. Our biomedical business interfaces these capabilities with biology. Our team has expertise in molecular sensing, genetic engineering, synthetic biology, materials, bioelectronics, and device development that map to requirements for the REACT program. Our biomedical business can draw on the talents of hundreds of STR engineers with expertise in sensors, signal processing, embedded systems, systems integration, secure communication and cybersecurity to support development of transformational health solutions.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 2: Low-Cost Cell Design and cGMP Manufacture
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
Southwest Research Institute Jian Ling, Ph.D. (jling@swri.org) San Antonio, TX Southwest Research Institute is a large nonprofit organization that has the technical expertise covered almost all areas of physical sciences and engineering. The bioengineering group in Pharmaceuticals and Bioengineering Department has a bioreactor technology for this program. SwRI has developed proprietary 3D printed cell expansion bioreactor that has demonstrated for cost-effective, easy-to-use, and scalable cell manufacturing and biological production (TA2). It also has the potential to convert into an implantable device for biologic production in the body (TA1, TA3). We have strong engineering capabilities and experience in medical device development. We are also very familiar with biomanufacturing for cell and biologic production. We have established medical device and cGMP quality programs and we are ISO 13485-2016 certified annually for medical device design, prototype, and testing.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 2: Low-Cost Cell Design and cGMP Manufacture
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
University of Delaware Aditya Kunjapur (kunjapur@udel.edu) Newark, DE Biological containment - in effective and innovative directions

Expanded genetic codes - including nitrated antigens to modulate immune response

Metabolic engineering - on-demand production of small molecules

Spore-based production - shelf-stable, low immunogenic production chassis		 I think the current research areas that I described above are fairly self-explanatory.

I'll also just mention that biocontainment tools can be leveraged for dose control.		 My lab has an exciting suite of projects in the containment and nitrated antigen spaces, with some recent successes published in Sci Adv, Nat Commun, Nat Chem Biol, but many more successes in the pipeline. We are a top-ten ranked chemical engineering department with access to great students in addition to cutting-edge technologies
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 2: Low-Cost Cell Design and cGMP Manufacture
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
University of California, Riverside Masaru Rao (mprao@ucr.edu) Riverside, CA We have developed novel nanofabrication technologies that enable realization of TITANIUM-based, multifunctional, implantable microdevices. These technologies leverage existing semiconductor process infrastructure, thus ensuring scalability to low-cost/high-volume manufacturing, as well as opportunity for high-density multifunctional integration (e.g., mechanical, electrical, fluidic, etc.). Our Ti nanofab technologies will provide unique opportunity for creating minimally-invasive bioelectronic cell carriers that will: a) leverage Ti’s proven biocompatibility in chronic implantation, as well as its excellent mechanical robustness & reliability; b) tightly integrate multimodal sensing & actuation capabilities, as well as device & packaging; and c) enhance long-term cellular integration & function through rational design of surface topography at the nanoscale. We are the only institution in the world with access to Ti nanofab. We have considerable experience in its application towards biomedical microdevices, including biolelectronic implants (neuroprostheses), as well other multifunctional minimally-invasive implants and devices (coronary stents, neurovascular flow diverters, microneedles for transdermal & ocular drug delivery). We are also experienced in its use for the rational design of nanoscale surface topography to enhance cell/device interactions (mitigate restenosis & thrombosis, enhance osseointegration, promote pro-healing macrophage phenotype).
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
University of Michigan Marilia Cascalho (marilia@umich.edu) Ann Arbor, MI We have developed a cellular based platform to diversify mutable virus antigens using the same mechanisms virus use to mutate. This platform has been expressed in mice and we found that immunity drives selection of viral antigen variants that replicate those found in the wild. Our technology will be applicable to: 1: generate a catalogue of viral antigen variants the diversified in response to immunity and that therefore anticipate viral evolution in human populations; 2: the technology allows the generation of panels of MAbs (human) capable of neutralizing mutant conformations of the virus antigens; 3: The technology has the potential to generate mutable vaccines for mutable viruses in animal reservoirs. Our organization will provide the technology platform to evolve mutable virus antigens in vivo and in response to immune selection. We seek partnerships with computational scientists and vaccine specialists to organize a programatic effort to fulfill our goals. We are immunologists with expertise both in molecular and cellular immunology. We are the inventors of the mutable vaccine technology.
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
University of Notre Dame Yanliang Zhang (yzhang45@nd.edu) Notre Dame, IN My lab has been developing novel multi-materials microscale printing methods to fabricate fully integrated implantable systems with 3D microfluidic channels/vascular structures, micropumps/valves, and soft sensors/bioelectronics. Our signature high-throughput multi-materials aerosol jet printing produces miniaturized implantable devices with ultrahigh spatial resolution, producing <10 μm features (e.g. channels/vessels, electrodes). My lab has developed unique and disruptive microscale multi-materials additive manufacturing technology capable of manufacturing implantable low-power bioelectronic carrier that communicates with engineered cells and with an external device. We can print microfluidic devices and vasculatures that can host the cell lines and enable long-term stability and maintenance. We are a leader in the field of microscale multi-materials additive manufacturing. We have established expertises and capabilities in printing implantable devices, perfusable vascular networks, microfluidic biosensors, and soft wearable/implantable electronics.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
Battelle Memorial Institute Rachel R. Spurbeck (spurbeck@battelle.org) Columbus, OH Battelle Memorial Institute is a non-profit research organization which covers several research areas from materials science, engineering, to biology. Relevant to the ARPA-H REACT program, Battelle has current research in molecular biology, advanced therapeutics, precision diagnostics, neurological sensors, and implantable medical devices. We have been developing and validating biomarkers for infectious diseases and exposure health and developing living pharmacies in probiotic microbes. Battelle Memorial Institute can add expertise in medical device development and FDA interactions for ensuring compliance with 510K filings. Battelle has animal modeling capabilities from small rodent models through non-human primates to enable pre-clinical studies. Battelle has capabilities and expertise in gene editing, biosensor development, non-viral gene delivery, nanomaterials, and in silico modeling. These capabilities and expertise would enable rapid prototype development, optimization, and validation of living pharmaceutical or biosensor products for the REACT program. Battelle has developed NeuroLife, a combination of an implantable microchip in the brain that remotely signals to a sleeve of stimulating electrodes to enable muscle movement and control by the thoughts of a paralyzed individual. This program demonstrates Battelle's abilities to implant a sensor and remotely detect and interpret signals, which are relevant expertise for the REACT biosensor. Furthermore, Battelle has a long history of developing and optimizing medical devices for monitoring biomolecules or administering drugs for pharmaceutical companies. Battelle has also been working on developing living pharmacies in common microorganisms of the gut microbiome. Similar to the living pharmacy thrust of REACT, this program is reprogramming of cells to produce therapeutics to reduce the dependency on taking oral pharmaceuticals for treatment of chronic diseases. This work could readily translate to the REACT program. Battelle has developed a high throughput screening tool for polymer nanoparticle materials that are biocompatible. This has been used to identify delivery systems for gene therapy, but could be adapted to identify materials that are useful in the living pharmacy or biosensor developed on the REACT program. Battelle also has high throughput capabilities in multi-omics (genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) to enable assessment of effect of the living pharmacy and biosensor to ensure that the device is producing the pharmaceutical or reporter without any unforeseen side effects. Battelle has been the systems integrator on several DARPA and IARPA programs, and therefore is well suited to aid in integration of components to produce viable living pharmacies and biosensors for ARPA-H.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
CTMC Laura Torgerson (ltorgerson@ctmc.com) Houston, TX CTMC, a joint venture between MD Anderson Cancer Center + Resilience, collaborates with academic and biotech partners to develop and manufacture cell therapies to bring them through the IND process and into the clinic to reach patients faster. Our business model is based upon complimentary partnerships allowing each organization to focus on their expertise to reduce bottlenecks and accelerate the process to commercialization. We have co-developed 5 cell therapies through IND in the last 12 months, including process and analytical development, regulatory strategy and operations, and GMP manufacturing. Our Houston team brings academic and industrial expertise in process and analytical development and cGMP manufacturing, regulatory affairs, quality, and logistics. Our 60,000 SF facility has 11 ISO9 clean rooms for cell therapies and 3 additional clean rooms for viral vector development. (TA2). CTMC excels in bringing novel cell therapy discoveries to life through collaboration with our partners. Our mix of academic and industrial team members understand all aspects of cell therapy development and manufacturing to bring products into the clinic. We manage all logistics and regulatory functions so our partners can focus on discovering the next lifesaving therapy for patients with cancer.
  • Technical area 2: Low-Cost Cell Design and cGMP Manufacture
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Netz Arroyo (netzarroyo@jhmi.edu) Baltimore, MD Our laboratory specializes in the development of aptamer-based continuous molecular monitors for in vivo measurements. We select aptamers, integrate them into electrochemical biosensing interfaces, and routinely deploy them if vivo for real-time, continuous therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacological research. We could add capacity to develop bioelectronic molecular monitors based on aptamer affinity interactions for real-time tracking of therapeutic agents and biomarkers as part of the REACT platform. We already deploy our sensors in the brain, blood, and interstitial fluid of mice and rats, and have the capacity to expand to other preclinical models as needed. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is a leading research institution in basic biomedical and translational sciences. We have streamlined mechanisms in place to support first in human and pilot clinical trials of new technologies and therapeutics, in addition to over 1,200 active research faculty covering all aspects of basic biomedical and biological sciences, pharmacology and medicinal chemistry.
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
Washington University in St. Louis Alexandra Rutz (rutzalexandral@wustl.edu) St. Louis, MO We engineer hydrogel-based materials for additive manufacturing and bioelectronic devices. Research thrusts include design and characterization of hydrogels for 3D “printability”, determining hydrogel processing-structure-function relationships for in vitro and in vivo biointerfacing, and manufacturing hydrogels into functional technology for tissue-interfacing or biohybrid devices. We have a special interest in developing biocompatible hydrogels from functional materials and significant work is focused on electronically conducting polymers specifically. We are experts in 3D printed scaffolds for cells and we have a vision for how these 3D printed scaffolds can be used as implantable carriers in the REACT program. We have established that the interconnected microporosity of 3D printed materials supports abundant host cell infiltration into the carrier, including vascularization needed to sustain viability of seeded cells. When made of hydrogels, these scaffolds possess tissue-like mechanical properties that can be tailored to support the seeded cell population as well as minimize host foreign body response. We have demonstrated that pore geometry can be altered to change cell-material interactions with the carrier to promote the viability and function of 3D cellular aggregates. Most significantly, we have demonstrated how these 3D printed carriers sustained a cell population for restoration of organ function in a mouse model. Our group has recently extended these works based more traditional biomaterials to functional materials, namely electronically conducting polymers, which we envision could be used as part of an implantable bioelectronic device cell carrier. Our expertise includes in the design and fabrication of hydrogel-based materials with a focus on those suited for extrusion-based additive manufacturing. We characterize printability of our materials through rheology and other methods as well as evaluate both materials and printed structures for compatibility with biointerfacing. We belong to a top Biomedical Engineering Department with outstanding staff and students, and have extensive connections with the School of Medicine where Engineering shares abundant and engaged clinical partners.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
GeneFab, LLC Russell Gordley (russell.gordley@genefab.com) South San Francisco & Alameda, CA GeneFab, LLC is focused on the development of innovative synthetic biology solutions to enhance the safety, specificity, potency, and manufacturability of cell and gene therapies. We offer a broad spectrum of synthetic biology services to optimize our partner’s cell and gene therapies complementary to GeneFab’s downstream analytical, testing, and manufacturing services. We have partnered with multiple clients on products including engineered cell lines, master regulators for cell state control, drug regulated switches for controlled payload expression, custom promoters and UTRs, and sense-and-respond circuits and logic gates. We can integrate the synthetic biology technologies we’ve developed to assemble cell state and small molecule regulated switches that control the expression of a payload or therapy at the desired time, cell state, or in response to a host cue. One of GeneFab’s specialties is the creation of de novo sensors for cell state and gene circuits responsive to the external environment, highly relevant for target area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease. We’ve developed synthetic promoters that respond to pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (cell state), drug regulated switches built from cytokine regulatory domains, and synthetic receptors that trigger rapid changes in cell behavior in response to cues displayed on healthy and diseased cells.

GeneFab’s research team offers expertise with clonal cell line generation and creation of master cell banks. Our facility is outfitted with clean rooms, process and analytical equipment, automated liquid handlers for high throughput cell culture, engineering and screening, and highly trained staff capable of developing and supporting affordable GMP compliant cell design. In addition, GeneFab brings expertise in manufacturing cell therapies and a research team with experience in developing clonal cell lines, performing high throughput screens to optimize cell therapies, and leveraging synthetic biology to improve safety and efficacy across many therapeutic cell types.

To potential partners, we can leverage our insights in synthetic biology and manufacturing to create next generation cell therapies and further advance our engineered producer cell pipeline.		 Since 2016, our scientists at GeneFab have been developing best-in-class approaches for therapeutic applications of synthetic biology. Our group has extensive experience with the design and optimization of cell type and cell state specific promoters, protein-based switches induced by small molecules for controlled payload expression, gene circuits that sense and regulate cell state, sense-and-respond circuits and cell-based logic gates. As part of these efforts, we have developed a high throughput screening platform for the characterization of novel circuit designs in relevant therapeutic models (macrophages, NK cells, T cells).

We also provide consulting and cGMP expertise for engineered gene and cell therapies. GeneFab’s team has extensive experience in developing improved manufacturing methods to address gene modified cell therapies, with special focus on technology innovation, modular unit operations, and facility design. In addition, we have contributed to the design, optimization and validation of cell therapies for the treatment of cancer derived from mesenchymal stroma cells and natural killer cells.
  • Technical area 2: Low-Cost Cell Design and cGMP Manufacture
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
Dimension Inx Cole Johnson (colejohnson@dimensioninx.com) Chicago, IL Dimension Inx is a biomaterials platform company that designs, develops, and manufactures therapeutic products to restore tissue and organ function. We engineer tissue microenvironments with tailored structural-to-functional properties that enhance the performance of regenerative therapies. Our product pipeline focuses on using advanced biomaterials to improve localization and engraftment of regenerative therapies within the host, e.g., cell therapies for T1D. We also recently launched our first lead product, an acellular 3D-printed regenerative bone graft, into the clinic. We are experts in 3D-printed biomaterials. With our proprietary platform, we can control both material microstructure and composition without compromising the ability to form complex structures that demonstrate excellent handling properties and mechanical integrity. Our process allows for rapid material design, integration of chemically and thermally sensitive components, and multi-material 3D-printing, in a scalable, commercially relevant manner. These capabilities allow the creation of biomaterials characterized by rapid tissue integration and vascularization allowing incorporated cells to better develop into functional tissues.

Of particular interest to the REACT program may be our Fluffy-X and 3D-Graphene (3DG) material families. Fluffy-X possesses hierarchical porosity that enables rapid absorption and integration of cells and tissues in vivo, which leads to the rapid engraftment critical for the maintenance of cell viability and function over time. It is an ideal carrier for cells and/or other factors due to its high surface area. 3DG has a unique composition that enables us to create constructs that include our typical biomaterial characteristics, e.g., hierarchical structure and easy handling, along with tunable electrical conductivity. With this unique set of properties, 3DG could be applied to the design and fabrication of a wide range of functional bioelectronic medical devices.		 We have deep expertise in the design, manufacture, and commercialization of regenerative biomaterials with a focus on extrusion-based additive manufacturing. Our patented portfolio covers six families of materials with varying properties - including implantable and injectable versions as well as synthetic and biological compositions. Our platform has been commercially de-risked through FDA clearance and clinical launch of our initial therapeutic product, CMFlex™ - the first 3D-printed regenerative bone product cleared by the FDA. Notably, we manufacture this product in-house at our FDA-registered facility. The products we create, when acellular, are shelf-stable and can be generated at room temperature and at speeds much faster than other approaches through our proprietary manufacturing process. Finally, we have experience as a prime performer for a past DoD CDMRP-funded program focused on the design, manufacture, and testing of regenerative biomaterials.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
Polybiomics Bahram Bahrami (Bahramb@polybiomics.com) Berkeley, CA We provide a cutting-edge technology platform and analytics to accelerate all the REACT Technical Areas. Polybiomics is developing a patent-protected technology platform for the comprehensive and non-invasive monitoring of multiple properties of the live cell sample and its environment over time. Our analytics and AI leverage an unprecedented amount of multi-modal data to generate information-rich datasets and deep, actionable insights, thereby accelerating the discovery and development of better cellular therapeutics. Our product consists of an all-in-one multi-modal instrument, consumables, software, and data analytics. Polybiomics has developed a working platform for culturing and conducting comprehensive multi-channel analysis of live cells over time. Our analytics enable the extraction of deep insights that may not be attainable otherwise. Our capabilities are complementary to the leading teams in the REACT program. Below are some of the high-level capabilities of our team:
Relevant backgrounds in instrumentation, data analysis, and AI
Expertise in cellular biosensing, live cell imaging, and functional and phenotypic analysis of live cells
Multi-modal analysis of live cells in real time
2D and 3D cellular models analysis
Cancer technology
Bioelectronics
Cell-based biosensors
Imaging
Data analytics and AI
Regenerative Medicine
Biomaterials
Nanotechnology
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 2: Low-Cost Cell Design and cGMP Manufacture
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
PPD Development, LP Matthew Kirkby (Matthew.Kirkby@ppd.com) Wilmington, NC PPD is capable of supporting all 5 of the TAs as a vendor or subcontractor.

PPD has supported 2,693 Phase I-IV studies across 104,328 sites in the past five years, aiding 906,702 patients in 18 therapeutic areas. Of those studies, 144 were cell and gene therapy studies across autologous and allogeneic platforms. PPD Laboratories integrates biomarker development across multiple regulatory environments. Our biomarker labs combine all five assay technologies: flow cytometry/cell-based assays, immunoassays, LC/MS, molecular genomics, and immunohistochemistry. PPD Laboratories has the depth of expertise and 20+ years of experience to help clients define the best regulatory strategy for their program.

PPD’s medical device study delivery experience in the last 5 years includes 33 studies across 12 therapeutic areas. PPD's medical device and diagnostics (MDD) experience is comprised of global, cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams that provide expertise and guidance for MDD life cycle services and the development and support of MDD clinical trials. Our device specialists are strategically located world-wide, including clinical staff with medical device experience. With offices in more than 40 countries, PPD offers full services for global MDD development through collaboration with PPD's cross-functional services.		 PPD brings a strong history of success in cell and gene therapy (CGT), and our solution-focused approach provides the following advantages:

A dedicated team of highly experienced and knowledgeable CGT professionals.

Adoptive Cell Therapy Training Academy for continued training.

CGT- patient-centric solutions to amplify patient identification, engagement, and enrollment.

Proven infrastructure to support the patient and cellular journey vein to vein services, customized for allogenic studies.

Our CGT Institute Cell Therapy of Excellence provides study teams with access to subject matter experts.

Clear and proven collaboration strategies for complex CGT studies.

PPD also offers end to end regulatory strategies and solutions for MDD studies. PPD understands the unique requirements and regulatory needs of medical device and diagnostics in gaining compliance with national laws, regulations, and international standards. Our medical device staff is ready to support pre-market, post-approval, and post-market study endeavors throughout the device life cycle. We have experience managing studies across all therapeutic areas and phases (first in man, feasibility, pilot, pivotal, and late-stage registries), from single-center feasibility studies to large global multicenter, randomized controlled studies.		 Since 1990, PPD has provided full, multi, and single-service clinical, regulatory, and quality support to the U.S. government and commercial clients worldwide, working with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Defense.

We support various research programs requiring diverse medical device and product development and clinical support services, including full-service clinical trials, regulatory support contracts, clinical site monitoring contracts, statistical and data coordinating centers, and clinical research operations and management support contracts. Our government and public health services group is a small, nimble, project-centric team of 110+ dedicated personnel that benefits from access to our 36,000+ employee global organization.

Overall, PPD has supported more than 1,640 clinical trials and projects for the U.S. government. We have ~80 active projects for the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense, non-profits, and academia. Services provided include clinical site feasibility, intelligence and activation, clinical site management, clinical site monitoring, project management, data management, biostatistics, statistical programming, regulatory strategy and submissions, pharmacovigilance, medical writing, digital/virtual trial solutions, and central and bioanalytical lab support.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 2: Low-Cost Cell Design and cGMP Manufacture
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
SRI International SRI International (Parijat.Bhatnagar@sri.com) Menlo Park, CA The Biosciences Division of SRI carries out basic research, drug discovery and drug development, and provides contract services. We have a strong unit of independent investigators who are working in various areas on biomedical sciences and contribute to the environment for success. SRI has all the resources necessary to take R & D from Idea to IND (investigational new drug) and Beyond™ from initial discovery to human clinical trials. SRI's product pipeline has yielded marketed drugs, therapeutics currently in clinical trials, and additional programs in earlier stages. TA4: L. Pharmacy

We have developed cells that, when electrically stimulated, synthesize a desired protein. We have demonstrated its use to express antiviral proteins. These can now be exchanged for expressing GLP-1 and its agonists for addressing issues with obesity and Type 1 diabetes.

TA5: L. Sentinel
We have published on cells that—upon engaging the disease biomarker, soluble (https://aiche.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/btm2.10508) or cell surface (https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/spectrum.00731-22)—express reporter proteins. The platform can be integrated with implanted or wearable sensors.

TA1: Biocompatibility
We have a strong publication record in interfacing semiconductors with DNA, proteins, and cells through chemically functionalized micro-hydrogels integrated with photolithographically patterned electrodes and biological micro-electro-mechanical-systems (bioMEMS).

TA2: Microfluidics for cell production
We have developed a device for production of 2 billion genetically engineered cells per minute. This can now used to rapidly engineer and select appropriate cell line.
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
Crook Lab Nathan Crook (nccrook@ncsu.edu) Raleigh, NC Our lab is focused on engineering probiotic yeast to sense diseases and synthesize drugs and other small molecules in response to disease cues. We have engineered this yeast to utilize human G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to sense their cognate ligands, and envision that this approach can be extended to disease biomarkers of interest for this call, such as blood glucose levels for diabetes. We have also optimized the secretion pathway for this yeast, enabling 5 g/L of peptide to be produced in culture supernatants, which we envision could be useful to produce the peptide hormones listed in this call. We can bring nonpathogenic GRAS yeast chassis (S. boulardii) which can be readily engineered to sense multiple disease-relevant biomarkers and produce peptide hormones autonomously in response. We have evidence to suggest that this yeast is able to produce such molecules using blood as a nutrient source, biomarker carrier, and delivery medium. S. boulardii is readily scalable, shelf-stable, and cheap to manufacture. We are the world leaders in engineering this probiotic yeast strain, as evidenced by numerous publications in this area, and several more in the pipeline. We currently have 5 PhD students and 2 postdocs who are experts at engineering this yeast. We additionally are familiar with meeting milestones as part of an ongoing DARPA project.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 2: Low-Cost Cell Design and cGMP Manufacture
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
Draper David Sutherland (dsutherland@draper.com) Cambridge, MA Draper is a nonprofit research and engineering organization. We partner with universities, government labs, and commercial companies to deliver transformational solutions that combine hardware, software and biology to address US national priorities and combat evolving biothreats and disease.

Relevant to ARPA-H REACT program, Draper has ongoing research focus in:
- Organ on Chip
- Cell Therapy Bioprocessing
- Medical Devices
- Synthetic Biology
- Rapid Diagnostics and Detection		 Draper has an established track record of developing innovative multidisciplinary solutions for government and commercial customers. We bring technologies and deep expertise in the following areas to the REACT program.

- Implantable lower power communication interfaces
- Implantable medical devices for drug delivery, cardiac stents, and neurostimulation
- Mammalian cell and microbe engineering
- Biomolecular sensors for physiological monitoring
- System integration and rapid development of clinic ready cell therapy instrumentation
- Microfluidics and microfabrication		 DRAPER is a successful performer on government programs with proven technical capabilities in bioelectronics, molecular sensing, mammalian cell and microbe engineering, synthetic biology, and medical device development, areas directly applicable to ARPA-H REACT program requirements.

Our innovative and skilled technical team is coupled with a fully equipped 14,000 ft2 BSL-2 facility with integrated biology & ISO 9001 hardware prototyping capabilities to support development of breakthrough health solutions.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 2: Low-Cost Cell Design and cGMP Manufacture
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
Purdue University Muhammad Mustafa Hussain (mmhece@purdue.edu) West Lafayette, IN Electronic system integration. We demonstrated "Shohay" which is a personalized medicinal platform which based on health condition at a given time can formulate and deliver a drug for personalized use. This paper can be found here: W. Babatain, A. Gumus, I. Wicaksono, U. Buttner, N. El-atab, M. U. Rehman, N. Qaiser, D. Conchouso, M. M. Hussain*, “Expandable Polymer Assisted Wearable Personalized Medicinal Platform”, Adv. Mater. Tech. 5(10), 2000411 (2020). We can use a redesigned and reconfigured implantable version of the same technology for REACT. My research group has expertise and experience in developing autonomous system. Such autonomous systems monitors intended stimuli followed by AI based data analysis and decision making. Those decisions are autonomously executed by integrated actuators. Such systems are standalone and multifunctional. They are made with commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) integrated circuit chips in bare die form. We use state-of-the-art complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology to heterogeneously integrate the intended system which are often physically conformal for bio-integration.
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
North Carolina State University Michael Daniele (mdaniel6@ncsu.edu) Raleigh, NC The NSF Nanosystems Engineering Research Center for Advanced Self-Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies (ASSIST) at NC State University researches and develops wearable and implantable wireless electronic devices for healthcare and wellness applications. This includes creating flexible and biocompatible sensors and devices, novel biosensors, low-power circuits and systems, energy harvesting and wireless energy transfer and demonstrations in both animal models and human studies. Notably, ASSIST is involved in developing methods for integrating energy-efficient components and systems, optimizing power consumption, and creating compact, lightweight electronic systems for extended operational lifetimes, i.e. hours to days to weeks. Additional research also includes the development of power management schemes and electronic circuits to efficiently utilize harvested energy and extend battery life in electronic devices. ASSIST has broad expertise in designing and fabricating wearable and implantable wireless electronic devices and the supporting systems. Their work in this area includes the development of flexible and biocompatible sensors and systems for healthcare applications. We are systems-focused Center and specific areas of expertise include soft bioelectronics & biosensor systems (Michael Daniele); low-power biophotonic and bioelectricity circuits, and mobile and injectable devices (Alper Bozkurt); implanted wireless sensors for biophotonic and bioelectrical sensing (Abraham Vasquez-Guardado); application specific integrated circuits (David Ricketts, Yaoyao Jia); sensor devices (Spyridon Pavlidis); ultrasound transducers for sensing, transdermal communication and energy transfer (Omer Oralkan); and machine learning and artificial intelligence for correlated monitoring of physiology, behavior and environment (Edgar Lobaton). For more than 10 years, ASSIST has foster collaboration among researchers from diverse fields, including electrical and computer engineering, materials science, computer science, and biomedical engineering, producing innovations to tackle complex challenges in wearable, implantable, and mobile electronics. The Center's primary focus has been on developing technologies and system demonstrations that realized multimodal and multiplexed wireless wearables or implantables that operate longitudinally, with extended battery-life or use of energy harvesting for battery-free operations. In regard to implantable biomedical devices in systems, we explore novel strategies for implanted electrophysiological sensing, biophotonics in-vivo biosensing, delivery of therapeutic cells, and ultrasound-based sensors and communication systems. ASSIST also has a strong industry ecosystem with commercial partners focusing on translation of novel wearable and implantable sensing and energy transfer ideas.
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
Syntax Bio Brad Merrill (brad@cellgorithm.com) Chicago, IL Syntax Bio is a pre-clinical stage cell therapy company that uses delivery of genetic instruction sets to stem cells to program their differentiation towards therapeutically useful cell types. The company has developed a unique CRISPR-based synthetic biology system that enables the epigenetic activation of many endogenous genes in a sequentially delimited manner. The system has been used to guide the differentiation process of pluripotent stem cells by forcing activation of master regulator genes in the sequential order that replicates the stepwise order of events encoded by regulatory elements in the genome. Syntax Bio can add expertise in the areas of programming cells to perform functions essential for the Living Pharmacy concept. The company’s technology is applicable to making any normal human target cell type, and it is capable of engineering new synthetic biological activities into cells. It is important to note that the timelines of our processes for cell engineering are extremely rapid, especially when compared to other approaches. Typical start-up time for a new cell type (from conceptualization to cell phenotyping readouts) is about a month. An iteration cycle for a typical cell differentiation experiment is one week. We believe that our combination of speeds of development and range of target cell types is unparalleled in the industry. In addition, combined with the modularity of the company’s genetic control units, these rapid initiation and turnaround times make it possible to coordinate biological engineering in tandem with other engineering components for effective design-build-test-learn cycles.
  • Technical area 2: Low-Cost Cell Design and cGMP Manufacture
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
Hepatx Corporation Eric Schuur (erschuur@hepatx.com) Palo Alto, CA HepaTx is focused on developing cell therapies for chronic diseases, starting with liver disease. Our technical approach is to customize the phenotype of pluripotent cells to address the pathology of the disease using intracellular and extracellular methods to augment function. Our current focus is to develop MSC-based therapies for acute or chronic disease. We bring expertise in use of pluripotent cells in therapeutic applications, including technical manipulation of cells, and development of novel biomaterials, novel manufacturing methods, and deep experience in translating technology to commercialization. Our strengths are in manipulation and analysis of pluripotent cells to improve their phenotype for therapeutic applications. We have extensive experience with cell isolation, culture, manufacturing, and analysis. We are very strong in stem cell isolation and culture, as well as manipulation of cell phenotype using various synthetic biology methods. We have extensive experience in cell analysis using qPCR, RNA-seq, single cell RNA-seq, immunohistochemistry, as well as extensive experience developing and utilizing cell-based assays of function for identifying mechanism of action of cell therapies. In addition, strengths include use of bioinformatics methods to design novel cell therapies and novel substrates for implantable cell therapies. Our team has brought ideas to the clinic and product candidates through clinical trials to regulatory approval and commercialization.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 2: Low-Cost Cell Design and cGMP Manufacture
Johns Hopkins University David Gracias (dgracias@jhu.edu) Baltimore, MD Leading engineering and medical institution Self-folding platform for cell encapsulation therapy that allows, (a) Fully 3D nanoporous membranes for optimal transport, and potential for immunoisolation, (b) compatibility with planar lithography (photo, ebeam, nano) and ability to incorporate bioelectronic modules (VLSI and MEMS) such as antennas, RF components and switches, (c) versatile materials (noble metals, polymers). Demonstrated in vivo MRI imaging in mice with potential for monitoring live cells in vivo.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
University of California Berkeley Jun-Chau Chien (jcchien@berkeley.edu) Berkeley, CA My group's research harvests the power of CMOS integrated circuits, applied physics, and advanced biotechnology to address biosensing requirements on sensitivity, specificity, throughput, multiplexing, device miniaturization, and system scaling. We develop and implement millimeter-sized implantable systems for sensing and stimulation. Specifically, we focus on long-term continuous monitoring of biomolecules in vivo by integrating CMOS electronics with “molecular switches” biosensors, which include designs using aptamers, antibody, or the combination of the two. My group is a hardcore electronics lab where we design integrated circuits (IC) for communication and sensing, with these millimeter-sized chips fabricated by foundries such as Intel and TSMC. Potential contribution can include incorporating stimulation to perform electronic control of cells for drug releases, monitoring the cell states, and detect the concentrations of molecule in vivo. We design analog/mixed-signal/RF integrated circuits for communication and sensing with high energy efficiency and low noise operation. We have the infrastructure and resources (including tapeout shuttles and channels) for chip tapeout and fabrication. We develop readout circuits that take advantage of the unique signal transduction mechanisms from biosensors to achieve a low limit of detection. We have worked on aptamer switches and have demonstrated wireless in vivo monitoring in freely-moving animals without wires.
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy;
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
Medipace Inc Victor Pikov (pikov@hotmail.com) Pasadena, CA 1. fabrication of polymer-based and fully-hermetic implantable devices with capabilities for drug delivery and internal organ biosensing for metabolic, autoimmune, and functional diseases;
2. electrical engineering expertise with implantable rechargeable batteries, implantable antennas for wireless charging and Bluetooth/NFC communication, low-power implantable electronics;
3. machine learning algorithms for closed-loop control of therapy;
4. surgical experience with performing chronic (1+ years) implantation in rodents, large animals, and clinical studies toward FDA 510(k) and PMA approvals, including performing FDA-required histological and immunohistochemical evaluation of subcutaneous tissue surrounding the implant;
5. commercialization of medical devices, including generation of technical documentation for the design, development, and verification and validation (V&V) to be included in the FDA-required Design History File under the ISO-13485-certified QMS.		 We provide the following TA3 approaches for the Living Pharmacy track:
1. cell carrier microfabrication using thin-film polymer that is already FDA-approved for chronic implantation;
2. electronics for communication with an external controller, including a battery-less approach for speedy FDA 510(k) approval;
3. valve for controlled molecular release from the cell carrier, including a battery-less approach for speedy FDA 510(k) approval;
4. external controller (e.g. battery-powered skin patch or smart watch) for communication with the cell carrier, including the controlled release of therapeutic molecules using the carrier valve.		 Previous participation in two DARPA projects to develop polymer-based implantable devices with capabilities for neural stimulation and drug delivery, with implants in both projects successfully tested in rodents.
Ongoing participation in a $12M NIH SPARC project to develop a fully-hermetic clinical implantable device with detachable polymer-based sensors for internal organ biosensing, including electrochemical, mechanical, and electrical.
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
Triple Ring Technologies Dr. Roger Tang (rtang@tripleringtech.com) Newark, CA and Boston, MA We strive to be the most trusted partner for developing science-driven products in medtech, life sciences, and sustainability. In this role, we choose fulfilling problems, take on significant challenges, pull together diverse teams, collaborate fearlessly, and have a positive impact on people and the planet. To accomplish this vision, Triple Ring Technologies has assembled an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, developers, and designers (25% with PhDs) that specializes in accelerating technologies up the TRL scale. For our clients, we ensure that technology will perform as desired when it needs to, and that their projects will achieve key milestones (be it performance or funding). We serve as a contractor providing services, or as a commercialization partner for early-stage technology for which proof-of-concept has been achieved by an academic/research laboratory. Services include but are not limited to, basic technology development, robust implementation of proof-of-concept results, prototype design and build for clinical use, and design for manufacturing. We are fully ISO 13485 certified. Triple Ring Technologies specializes in taking technology ideas and benchtop demonstrations from concept to prototype (including for clinical use), and we have extensive experience with designing and commercializing complex medical devices and life sciences tools, including miniaturized devices and cell culture systems. Examples that highlight our relevant experience for REACT include:

• Implantable and ingestible technologies (multiple platforms and clients)
o Swallowable “smart pill” platform technologies
o Wireless communication with internal devices
o Packaging for long-term residency in GI system
o Designed for manufacturability and human use
• Cell culture automation (multiple projects)
o Novel carriers and systems for scaling cell manufacturing
o Culture and contamination monitoring technologies
o Automated passaging		 Our domain expertise includes system architecture and engineering, optical engineering and imaging, sensor and detector design/integration/system build, power/communications miniaturization and integration, assay development, robotics/mechatronics, and mobile application and user interface design.

Our capabilities span early stage research and innovation (including simulations and modeling, technology road mapping, market and technology due diligence, new product concept design, and IP strategy), design and development (requirements development, risk management, rapid prototyping, systems architecture, systems integration, failure mode and effects analysis, sustainability and lifecycle design), and verification and validation (including contract manufacturer integration, design and manufacturing transfer). Our clients include startups as well as Fortune-100 companies.

We have extensive experience in working with MDs and early-stage technologies to deliver systems that meet clinical performance requirements and are suitable for FDA submission, by systematically retiring risks and ensuring that all design efforts are directed toward minimum viable product.
  • Technical area 2: Low-Cost Cell Design and cGMP Manufacture
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
University of California San Francisco Shuvo Roy (shuvo.roy@ucsf.edu) San Francisco, CA Development of smart implantable and wearable medical devices with an emphasis on enhanced tissue biocompatibility, robust immunoprotection, and delivery and monitoring via minimally invasive techniques We have developed a new class of membrane constructed from silicon wafers. These silicon nanopore membranes (SNM) possess ultra-high-hydraulic-permeability (>10x conventional polymer membranes) and are highly discriminatory in what they can restrict due to their precision slit shape and monodispersed pore size control. The SNM are coated to enhance biocompatibility for both extravascular and intravascular locations. As such, the SNM provide extremely high levels of mass transfer of solutes and unprecedented immunoprotection for long term performance. Stem Cells, Biocompatibility, Artificial Organs, Wireless Sensors, Clinical Trials, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Silicon Membranes
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
University of Wisconsin Madison Center for Biomedical Swine Research and Innovation Eric Schmuck (egschmuck@wisc.edu) Madison, Wisconsin UW-Madison Center for Biomedical Swine Research and Innovation (CBSRI - https://cbsri.wisc.edu/) is a national leader in translational swine research. Located within the School of Medicine and Public Health Clinical Sciences Complex, the Center brings together expertise in surgical swine model creation as well as genetic editing and cloning models with cutting edge research in:
• Cell, Tissue, and Organ Transplantation
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Wound and Burn Healing
• Regenerative Medicine
• Metabolic Diseases
• Gene Therapy/Immunotherapy
• Oncology
• Neurological Diseases
• Pediatric Disorders
• Genomic and Reproductive Biotechnology
• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiome
• Nutrition
• Surgical Innovation
• Medical Imaging

CBSRI actively collaborates with leading institutions and industry partners from across the country to develop and validate swine models of human disease and test novel therapies, medical devices and diagnostics.		 CBSRI leverages the biomedical research infrastructure, resources, and expertise at UW–Madison to conduct innovative basic and translational research on human diseases utilizing swine models. Our team of experienced professional scientists, proceduralists and veterinary care staff collaborate with faculty and industry to offer robust models of human disease and innovative solutions to creating novel therapeutics. CBSRI possesses a combination of components that make biomedical research and development in swine uniquely possible, practical, and highly efficient. This includes:
• An in-house bio-secure heard of miniature and conventional swine breeds, as well as the ability to source swine breeds to suite the study design.
• An in-house human-sized miniature swine breed (WMSTM) with a naturally occurring mutation resulting in hypercholesteremia (WMS-FHTM).
• Genetically engineered swine model creation services.
• Stem cell lines derived from the swine models.
• Breeding and housing facilities for large-scale swine research.
• Expertise in swine-specific medical procedures and veterinary care.
• State-of-the-art medical imaging dedicated to swine research, including ultrasound, X-ray fluoroscopy, MRI, CT, and PET imaging
• Minimally invasive cardiovascular catheterization techniques.
• Cardiovascular physiological assessments including pressure volume loop analysis.
• Supporting research services (e.g., pathology, histopathology, toxicology, -omics and bioinformatics).
• Expertise in study design including FDA IND enabling studies.		 CBSRI greatest strength is its staff of scientists, proceduralists and veterinary care teams. With over 30 years of combined experience in biomedical swine research, our team of scientists have decades of experience designing and implementing rigorous translational research projects. Our dedicated project coordinators work closely with collaborating research teams to ensure that every detail is captured, and projects are conducted efficiently. CBSRI’s unique capabilities in model creation, imaging and physiological assessments is unparalleled.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Tanja Dominko (tdominko@wpi.edu) Worcester, MA Incorporate photosynthesis as a recycling mechanism that produces oxygen and nutrients to mammalian cells and tissue after transplantation while by removing carbon dioxide and cellular waste - extending survival and function of transplanted cells. Strategies for extending survival and function of mammalian cells in anoxic, nutrient-deprived environments.

Interfacing chloroplast-based photosynthesis with mammalian oxidative phosphorylation within the mammalian cellular environment allows for regional and/or systemic generation of oxygen, glucose, amino acids and fatty acids in mammalian cells and tissues from carbon dioxide and nitrogen waste generated by mammalian cells.

We have shown: a) Functional chloroplasts can be isolated from several plants and algae in large numbers (10e12/ml) using aseptic procedures; b) Chloroplasts remain functional for 7 days in mammalian cell culture media and at 37C, c) Chloroplast generate oxygen and nutrients in quantities that supports survival and proliferation of 3T3 mouse fibroblasts over 7 days in anoxic environment (1.05 mM/second/chloroplast); d) Chloroplasts function extra- and intracellularly; e) Co-culture of chloroplasts with 3T3 cells in a 12h/12h light/darkness cycle supports both 3T3 cells and chloroplast function. After 7 days in culture, chloroplasts lose functionality and need to be replaced with freshly isolated chloroplasts. While representing a technical challenge, their limited survival span allows for precise “dosing”.		 My lab's cross-kingdom biology research is focused on complementation between plant and animal structures and systems. We exploit 1) plant tissue pre-vascularized scaffolds as alternatives to decellularized tissues and organs for engineering tissue equivalents for transplantation, and 2) chloroplast-based biology for recycling mammalian cellular waste in situ.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 2: Low-Cost Cell Design and cGMP Manufacture
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
Connecticut Analytical Corporation Joseph Bango, PhD (jbango@ctanalytical.com) Bethany, CT Our firm has been involved with various forms of synthetic biological research, including in-vivo drug production, in-vivo drug delivery, and new aptamer based vaccine technologies. Our firm received support for an epidemic-pandemic early warning system by Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro in 2016 based on mesh network electrospray collection and nanopore pathogen identification methodology coupled to a infectious disease cloud platform. Some of our research has been applied under multiple NASA life detection contracts. The development of our present research interest began nearly 20 years ago when we invented with a colleague at Univ. of Colorado a means for powering in-vivo devices such as pacemakers and other devices based on the method by which electric eels produce electricity. This was patented as Biogenerator Constructed Using Live Cell Cultures, U.S. Patent 9,034,360 B2 (R. Levinson & J. Bango). After demonstrating that immortal cell lines could produce electricity via ion channel transport for over 6 months, we came up with a concept to use the cell lines in another way, that is, to produce an electrical signal by an engineered epithelial cell line such that, when a target molecule came into contact with the cell membrane. By arranging a plurality of these engineered cell lines in a matrix, a host of background proteins, metabolites, and many more target species can be sensed and quantified in real time and transmitted externally via Bluetooth or other telemetry to a host interface device or over the internet to a physician. At the same time, an in-vivo sentinel system can be employed to be part of a closed-loop drug delivery system, as articulated by the ARPA-H Living Pharmacy initiative. Our team has a patent pending on the living pharmacy, entitled Subscription Based Drug Delivery System, U.S. Patent Application No. 62/707,780. Our firm is an outgrowth of research that extends back to Yale University in the 1980s in Dr. John Fenn's lab where the first electrospray mass spectrometer was developed, which was recognized by John's 2002 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. We applied electrospray principles in the years since to many applications, including the capture of atmospheric pathogen containing aerosols. This work led to the investigation of novel vaccine developments, in addition to a growing interest in current work with in-vivo physiological monitoring and in-vivo drug delivery. The announcement of ARPA-H's REACT program was a welcome surprise to have an opportunity to collaborate with exciting researchers and at other institutions.
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
Brown University Tejal Desai (tejal_desai@brown.edu) Providence RI Development of non-fibrotic encapsulation devices for cell therapy and immune isolation. Expertise in macroencapsulation and immune modulation. We have published several papers in this area including thin film encapsulation devices, pre-vascularization strategies for device integration, and nutrient delivery to sustain cells in devices. I would be interested in partnering with a team interested in developing cell based devices who need expertise on the device/materials side. Brown University is a leading research university with expertise across engineering, physical sciences, medicine, and public health.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
Texas A&M University Ya Wang (ya.wang@tamu.edu) College Station, TX We have over 10-years of experience in making nano-biomarkers with intrinsic targeting, wireless (electromagnetic, near-infrared light, etc) communication and fluorescence turn-on mechanism overcoming quenching. We can contribute to TA3-5 low-power, low-cost targeting biomarkers with an intrinsic wireless communication mechanism. We can team up with walking fish and/or Dr. Peter Yingxiao Wang. We have over 15 years of experience in bioelectronics implants, various electromagnetic wireless communication mechanisms, sensors, and automatic controls. We have over ten years of experience in bio-tissue-hybrid 3D printing, nanomedicine, biodegradable scaffolds, targeting biomarkers, and sustainable and controlled release of desired dosage of therapeutic agents. We recently started a biosensor company.
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy
  • Technical area 5: Accurate Tracking of Disease
Cellular Vehicles Nikhil Joshi (nikhil@cellularvehicles.com) Palo Alto, California We've developed a flexible, low-cost, closed cell processing platform (Odyssey System) that enables control and standardization of manual processes. Programmable unit operations include: thawing, wash, resuspension, cell sorting, non-viral cell engineering, temperature preservation, dilution, concentration, final fill, and controlled systemic infusion or localized injection. Our platform enables cell therapy developers (industry or academic) to control processes to increase standardization and throughput, using a system that can be used through preclinical research and easily translated into the clinic. We've developed our platform and have partnered with 4 cell therapy developers on a pilot program - our product has been validated as a beta system.
  • Technical area 1: Extend Performance of Implanted Cells
  • Technical area 2: Low-Cost Cell Design and cGMP Manufacture
  • Technical area 3: Create Implantable Carrier
  • Technical area 4: Accurate Dosing of Therapy