Alpenglow Biosciences, a pioneer in 3D spatial biology, has recently received contracts from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Additionally, the company has secured further investment to advance the development of its clinical products.
ARPA-H and NIH Contracts Boost Alpenglow Biosciences’ 3D Spatial Pathology Platform
Alpenglow Biosciences, a leader in 3D spatial biology, has received significant support from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), alongside additional investment, to advance its clinical product development.
ARPA-H Precision Surgical Interventions Contract
Jonathan T.C. Liu, Ph.D., University of Washington Professor and Alpenglow Biosciences’ Scientific Co-Founder, has been awarded a transformative five-year contract from ARPA-H, valued up to $21 million. This grant, part of the Cancer Moonshot initiative, supports the development of a cutting-edge platform technology for precision tumor removal. Alpenglow will collaborate with the Liu Biophotonics Lab, the Mahmood AI Lab at Harvard & Mass General Brigham, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center to create a revolutionary AI-driven 3D Spatial Biology platform. This technology aims to deliver near real-time, high-resolution 3D imaging for precise tumor margin identification, reducing the need for repeat surgeries and enhancing patient outcomes. The contract also provides for FDA regulatory strategy and reimbursement support through the Project Accelerator Transition Innovation Office (PATIO) program.
NIH SBIR Phase II Contract
Alpenglow has been awarded a $2 million Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract by the NIH to advance prostate cancer diagnostics in collaboration with CorePlus, a leading digital pathology lab in Puerto Rico. The project will focus on developing 3D pathology AI tests using prostate core biopsies. These tests are designed to provide more accurate prognostic and predictive information, addressing a critical need in prostate cancer care. By leveraging Alpenglow’s 3D microscopy data and advanced AI algorithms, the new assays aim to improve treatment guidance for the 200,000 Americans diagnosed with prostate cancer annually.
Investment in Aurora™ Platform
In addition to these contracts, Alpenglow secured $1 million in investment from Dynamk Capital and Paul McEwan to further develop its Aurora™ platform, which utilizes 3D spatial biology for tissue-to-insights solutions. Dr. Nicholas Reder, CEO and Co-Founder, highlighted that the Aurora™ platform represents a significant advancement in predictive diagnostics and intraoperative care. Steve Pemberton, Senior Vice President of Commercial Development, emphasized the platform’s role in modernizing pathology with its 3D, digital, and AI-enhanced capabilities.
This funding will accelerate the development of Alpenglow’s 3D Derm Score™ and 3D Immuno-Oncology (I-O) Score™, which are currently available for research use and clinical trials. Earlier this year, Alpenglow also received a $50,000 research grant to explore new applications for its 3D I-O Score.
A Milestone for Alpenglow Biosciences
Founded in 2018 and built on a decade of pioneering research in the Liu Lab, Alpenglow Biosciences is leading the shift to 3D pathology. Dr. Reder remarked, “While others focus on digitizing glass slides, Alpenglow is advancing to a comprehensive 3D analysis of entire tissue samples.” The new funding from ARPA-H, NIH, and investors underscores confidence in Alpenglow’s potential to transition its innovative technology from biopharma research to impactful clinical applications, accelerating the future of pathology.
