Greenstone Biosciences, Inc., a biotechnology firm situated at Stanford Research Park, has been granted a $2.75 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
PALO ALTO, CA — September 12, 2023 — Greenstone Biosciences, Inc., a biotechnology firm situated at Stanford Research Park, has been granted a $2.75 million Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This grant will continue to advance the company’s innovative solution for early cardiotoxicity detection in drug development, leveraging pharmacogenomics and precision medicine platforms.
Cardiotoxicity remains a principal challenge in pharmaceutical advancement, leading to early and late-stage drug discontinuations. Greenstone Biosciences’ innovation further advances the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) mandate for pre-clinical cardiotoxicity assessments. Our platform features a kit containing 100 unique and ethnically diverse human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (iPSC-CM) lines. This in vitro model tool aims to facilitate predictive assessments of drug toxicity in drug targets, particularly in patient groups susceptible to drug-induced adverse events.
The research undertaken by Greenstone Biosciences has far-reaching implications for the future of drug discovery and development. This approach holds the promise of fast-tracking the developmental pipeline and presenting a more pragmatic and intricate depiction of how drugs interact with diverse genetic backgrounds. Moreover, this progression aligns with the industry’s emphasis on New Alternative Methods (NAMs), thereby offering a potent avenue to reduce reliance on traditional animal testing.
“Greenstone Biosciences’ platform enhances traditional cardiotoxicity assessments using the “clinical trial in a dish” concept. By factoring in elements like sex, ethnicity, and genetic background, Greenstone provides more nuanced insights into drug safety, assisting pharmaceutical companies in making more informed decisions during the initial phases of drug development,” states co-founder Joseph Wu, MD. PhD, Director of the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute and Simon H. Stertzer, MD, Professor of Medicine & Radiology at Stanford University. Lip-Bu Tan, Board Chairman of Greenstone Bio and a long-term strategic partner of Walden Catalyst Venture, perceives this recent SBIR award as an endorsement of Greenstone Bio’s approach, stating that it serves as a “testament to Greenstone Bio’s forward-thinking strategy designed to facilitate a quicker and more efficient bench to bedside translation.”
Rooted in cutting-edge clinical genomics, computational biology, and patient-specific iPSCs, Greenstone Biosciences is determined to redefine pharmacogenomics and expedite drug discovery. “Greenstone Biosciences is excited to foster a new era of safe, efficient, and humane pharmaceutical development.” states the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Jade Chao.
For further information, please contact:
Jade Chao, JD, MPH
Chief Operating Officer
Greenstone Biosciences, Inc.
Email: jadechao@greenstonebio.com
About Greenstone Biosciences, Inc:
Greenstone Biosciences, Inc., located at Stanford Research Park, Palo Alto, California is at the forefront of harnessing clinical genomics, computational biology, and patient-specific iPSCs to deepen understanding in pharmacogenomics and accelerate drug discovery. For further information about the Company, please visit www.greenstonebio.com.