Success Stories

Respana Therapeutics, Inc.

Respana is developing a novel drug to combat excessive immune response. Initially focusing on respiratory infections, the company’s therapeutic monoclonal antibody prevents excessive inflammation, avoiding the development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) resulting from infections including influenza, COVID-19, and subsequent infections (viral or bacterial) – the antibody targets the complications caused by the immune response, not the infectious agent. With millions of people dying worldwide from respiratory infections each year, Respana addresses a significant unmet medical need.

Drug Eluting Ocular Implant Technology

Of the 3.7 million cataract surgeries performed annually in the U.S., >95% of patients experience postoperative inflammation. Many patients struggle with the standard of postoperative care, which requires patients to administer eye drops multiple times daily over four weeks. Patient non-compliance is 50%, while misapplication is a staggering 93%. Drs. Seth Pantanelli, Su Yan, and Ethan Gerhard have developed a prototype of a small, biodegradable tear-duct implant that gradually releases Bromfenac, an anti-inflammatory drug, over 30 days. The copolymer used also has antimicrobial properties. Rabbit trials to investigate in vivo efficacy and safety are in progress. The inventors are in discussions with C-suite executives with broad-based experience in bringing medical technology to market and networks to form a startup.

Disease Modifying Osteoarthritis Treatment

Drs. Fadia Kamal and Amir Sheikhi have developed a paroxetine-based sustained-release injectable platform for the treatment of osteoarthritis. The paroxetine-based biomaterial injection stops the development and progression of osteoarthritis, allowing regeneration of structure and function. Osteoarthritis affects more than 30 million Americans and is a leading cause of disability in the U.S., according to the NIH. Currently there are no curative solutions, only pain management or surgical interventions. Drs. Kamal and Sheikhi have shown evidence that their treatment prevents degeneration and promotes healing through direct injection into the affected joint. This novel therapeutic has the potential to decrease the disability and improve the lifestyle of osteoarthritis patients.

Notch 1 Inhibitor for Metastatic Breast Cancer

Dr. Arun Sharma has developed a small-molecule treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Patients with TNBC have poorer outcomes than those diagnosed with other subtypes. Chemotherapy treatments are available but produce systemic toxicity that can have long-term effects on quality of life. Dr. Sharma’s molecule, ASR490, is orally bioavailable, inhibits tumor growth in TNBC, and does so with a high therapeutic index and no toxicity concerns. It also interacts synergistically with a common chemotherapy agent, doxorubicin, to inhibit tumor growth.

Transforming Rib Fracture Outcomes

Imagine a world where recovering from broken ribs no longer involves excruciating pain and long hospital stays. Dr. Peter Dillon, former chief of surgery and chief medical officer at Penn State Health, envisioned a minimally invasive solution to transform rib fracture treatment. Retired Penn State surgeon Dr. Don Mackay, along with active surgeon Dr. Randy Haluck and biomedical engineer Barry Fell, joined him on this journey. The team developed a cutting-edge technique that allows for the stabilization of broken ribs from the inside, utilizing a thoracoscope to provide surgeons with a magnified view of the injury— significantly reducing surgical time and trauma to patients. This innovation, the AdvantageRib™ system, promises faster recovery and fewer complications. The company SIG Medical was formed to bring the technology to market. Now FDA-cleared and successfully tested, AdvantageRib™ is revolutionizing rib fracture care nationwide.

Transforming Autism Care

Since joining Penn State in 2015, Dr. Steven Hicks has become a trailblazer in transforming autism care for children and their families. He enhanced diagnostic assessments by introducing developmental evaluations at Penn State Health’s general pediatric clinic, cutting patient wait times drastically. His groundbreaking research, exploring the use of saliva biomarkers for autism diagnosis, has led to international recognition, including an NIH-funded study, a patent, and a CLIA-certified lab test. Dr. Hicks also spearheaded the creation of As You Are, an innovative telehealth platform transforming autism evaluations nationwide. This platform now handles a significant amount of all autism assessments in the U.S. and reduced wait times from months to days. Dr. Hicks was named Penn State College of Medicine’s Innovator of the Year in 2024.

iLookOut for Child Abuse

As part of the Penn State Department of Humanities and the Center for the Protection of Children, Dr. Benjamin Levi created an online interactive curriculum for mandated reporters of child abuse. Called iLookOut for Child Abuse, the program helps users better recognize and protect children at risk for abuse. iLookOut teaches people to identify red flags for child maltreatment, distinguish poverty from neglect, and know when and how to take appropriate action. iLookOut is the recommended mandated reporter training for HeadStart programs in all 50 states. It is available at no cost to anyone in Pennsylvania. Learn more at ilookoutpa.org.