Receptor Logic has a means of making antibodies that mimic the scouting and identifying functions of T-cells by binding to peptides that appear on the surface of cells, within the frame of the major histocompatability complex. The start-up thinks its antibodies will accelerate research on T-cell-stimulating vaccines (versus prophylactic ones) and will ultimately serve as therapeutics in their own right.

Auxano has rights to neurotransmitter Substance P for topical wound healing applications. Substance P acts like a growth factor in instigating epithelial cell growth, and it also causes the attachment of the epithelium to the stroma beneath.

Hemobiotech Inc. was formed to commercialize HBOC technology originally developed at Texas Tech University. By modifying hemoglobin with ATP, glutathione and adenosine, the company claims it eliminates toxicity and vasoactivity. The company also has evidence that HemoTech may have the added benefit of inducing erythropoiesis.

Despite decades of effort and more than $1 billion dollars invested in commercial blood substitute R&D, no products are approved for use in the US. Can next-generation companies succeed where so many others have failed?