ResVita Bio, a US-based synthetic biology startup, announced on Monday that it has received a USD250,000 Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID).

This grant is to be utilised to develop RVB-101, a genetically engineered cell therapy for the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis. The product is a new type of treatment for severe atopic dermatitis, consisting of genetically engineered cells within a moisturiser formulation.

Dr Amin Zargar, ResVita Bio PhD, chief executive officer, said: "Within a year, we have been honoured to receive two innovation grants from the NIH to develop therapies for both Netherton Syndrome, an orphan disease, and severe atopic dermatitis through our topical cell therapy approach. 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."