NanoBio

BlueWillow Biologics, Inc., formerly known as NanoBio Corporation, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on creating next-generation intranasal vaccines. The company was founded in 2000 as a spin-off from the Center for Biologic Nanotechnology at the University of Michigan by Dr. James R. Baker Jr. and Ted Annis. Dr. Baker, a physician and researcher with extensive experience in immunology, nanotechnology, and vaccine development, including a tenure as Global Head of the Vaccine Franchise at Merck, established the company based on his research into nanomaterials for therapeutic applications. Initially, the company explored topical nanoscale therapies for dermatological applications. A significant strategic pivot occurred in 2018 when the company rebranded to BlueWillow Biologics to concentrate on its vaccine development pipeline, supported by a $10 million financing round.

The core of BlueWillow's operations is its proprietary NanoVax® technology platform. This platform utilizes an oil-in-water nanoemulsion adjuvant that enables the intranasal administration of vaccines. The technology is designed to create a robust immune response by activating both mucosal immunity—the body's first line of defense at surfaces like the nasal passages—and a systemic immune response. The nanoemulsion droplets, approximately 400nm in size, deliver antigens to immune cells in the nasal mucosa, which is critical for protection against pathogens that enter the body through respiratory or sexually transmitted routes. This approach has demonstrated safety in multiple Phase 1 human clinical trials.

BlueWillow's business model centers on the development and commercialization of its vaccine candidates, funded through a combination of venture capital, angel investments, and significant grants from government bodies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The company collaborates with partners, such as Public Health England (PHE) and Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corporation, to advance its programs. Its clinical-stage pipeline targets a range of significant global health threats, including pandemic and seasonal influenza, anthrax, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), herpes simplex virus (HSV-2), and chlamydia. For example, its anthrax vaccine candidate, developed with PBL, aims to offer a more stable, longer-lasting, and safer alternative to current stockpiled vaccines, with the potential to save the U.S. government over $100 million annually.

Keywords: intranasal vaccines, NanoVax platform, mucosal immunity, biopharmaceutical, clinical-stage, vaccine adjuvant, adjuvant technology, respiratory infections, sexually transmitted diseases, food allergies, nanoemulsion, James R. Baker Jr., University of Michigan spin-off, infectious disease, pandemic preparedness, anthrax vaccine, influenza vaccine, HSV-2 vaccine, RSV vaccine, clinical trials