Sbir phase II: mechanically controlled therapeutics delivery platform

The National Science Foundation awarded Mechano Therapeutics LLC a $1.240 million cooperative agreement on August 1, 2026, under the NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships program (CFDA 47.084) to develop a force-stimulated delivery platform for controlled therapeutic release in joint environments.

The project focuses on mechanically activated microcapsules that harness natural joint forces to deliver therapeutics with improved bioavailability and reduced systemic toxicity. Work includes designing a scalable manufacturing process that preserves microcapsule quality and reproducibility, fabricating prototype microcapsules, evaluating release kinetics, and conducting a toxicology study to confirm safety and localization. The recipient will generate foundational data and customized solutions to support discussions with potential pharmaceutical and biotech development partners.

Performance occurs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, over a period extending from August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2028. Sub-awards are planned for this award.

Abstract

The broader impact/commercial potential of this small business innovation research (sbir) phase II project is to develop a force-stimulated delivery platform. This platform utilizes mechano-activated microcapsules combined with the natural mechanical forces of the joint for the controlled and directed delivery of therapeutics. The technology is compatible with a wide variety of compounds and offers a novel way to overcome limitations such as chemical stability or pharmacokinetic parameters. This small business innovation research phase II project will establish mechano-activated microcapsules as a platform technology with broad potential to address multiple indications through targeted interarticular therapeutics delivery and sustained release. Bioavailability within the joint tends to be poor, and many musculoskeletal conditions could benefit from effective local delivery treatment mechanisms that increase drug bioavailability and reduce systemic toxicity. This project will include the development of a scalable manufacturing process for that retains microcapsule quality and reproducibility, then fabricate and evaluate the release kinetics. This will provide foundational data and customized solutions to potential pharmaceutical/biotech partners. A toxicology study will then be performed to confirm the safety and localization profile of the microcapsules, rendering additional key data for discussions with potential development partners. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.- subawards are planned for this award.