RICHMOND – WynnVision, a biomedical nanofilms company located in the Bio+Tech Center, received an
NIH SBIR FastTrack award from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Phase I of the two part
grant is for $225,000 to develop a new approach to greatly reduce the incidence of ventilator-associated
pneumonia (VAP) and ventilator-related infections. The new approach, led by Dr. Olga Zolotarskaya,
does not use antibiotics or antimicrobials that lead to “super-bugs.”
Speaking about the project, Dr. Kenneth Wynne, President of WynnVision, stated, “We are aiming to
eliminate infections with comfort and safety for patients. Results thus far show exciting promise for
bringing much needed innovation for intubation tubes.”
VAP usually occurs between 48 and 72 hours following endotracheal intubation and accounts for about
half of all cases of hospital-acquired pneumonia. Those who receive intubation include those who have
suffered trauma, neonates, the elderly and the infirm. All are susceptible to VAP and related infections
that are difficult to diagnose; treatment is often too late.
This project will continue WynnVision’s mission of preventing infections associated with medical
devices. The grant will be directed at establishing feasibility (Phase I) for reducing/preventing infections
due to endotracheal tubes. Success in achieving Phase I milestones will lead to a Phase II grant without
a funding gap.
Carrie Roth, President and CEO of the VA Bio+Tech Park and Activation Capital, said, “We applaud
WynnVision and the continued strides they are making in reducing pain and, ultimately, excessive costs
due to infections acquired from medical devices. We are glad to be able to support such an innovative
company in the Bio+Tech Center as they grow and make new discoveries.”
About Activation Capital:
Activation Capital engages and connects the many influential players in our innovation ecosystem, and
strives to give startup founders access to the tools and resources they need to navigate the
entrepreneurial process. The Activation Council supports and coordinates these efforts among the many
available resources to foster innovation in companies of all kinds. Activation Council brings clarity and
perspective in the short term and vision for the long term that generates more collision points that lead
to successful business outcomes. Our goal is for the region to become known as a hub for all things
innovative and as an environment where entrepreneurs and innovative companies thrive. We want the
Activation Capital to be known as the place where any person with an idea can come to find resources
needed to take an idea from start to phenomenal.
The VA Bio+Tech Park is a vibrant, life sciences community located adjacent to the Virginia
Commonwealth University (VCU) Medical Center on a 34-acre campus in downtown Richmond, Virginia.
Since its creation, the Park has supported over 120 private and non-profit companies, state and federal
laboratories, and research institutes/administrative functions of VCU and VCU Health, employing
approximately 2,400 researchers, scientists, engineers and support personnel. Major member
organizations in the park include the VCU Innovation Gateway and VCU Ventures, the Altria Center for
Research and Technology, United Network for Organ Sharing, True Health Diagnostics and the Virginia
Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services. The Park also has developed partnerships with neighboring
Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico Counties to extend its reach.
