Himes: Trumbull med-tech firms get $2.4M in federal funds

TRUMBULL – Two Trumbull-based medical technology companies will receive a total of more than $2.3 million in federal grants, according to U.S. Rep. Jim Himes.

ZetroOZ Systems and Gynion were selected to receive Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants.

ZetroOZ Systems, a manufacturer of wearable, non-invasive ultrasound-based medical devices, will receive more than $2 million funding to refine its sonophoresis patch, which is designed to treat knee osteoarthritis. Gynion, a women’s health startup that offers in-office therapies for gynecological conditions, is getting more than $360,000 SBIR funds to support development of ablative topical gels meant to treat cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and other conditions tied to the human papillomavirus (HPV).

George K. Lewis, Ph.D., who is ZetrOZ Systems president and CEO, is grateful for the federal money at a time when the company is ramping up its latest biotechnology product.

“We are working with key stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem to expand broad physician and patient access to our innovative non-invasive and non-opioid sustained acoustic medicine (sam®) biotechnologies to accelerate soft tissue healing and treat chronic joint pain,” Lewis said.

“As part of this active-aging commercialization program, we are increasing our USA-based manufacturing and service partner network, driving clinical education and adoption at regional and national levels, and expanding our clinical portfolio offerings and soft-tissue indications. By enabling easy access to sam® care and eliminating barriers for patients we will help 100 million Americans live active and healthy lives pain free.”

Oleg Shikhman, founder and CEO of Gynion, believes the SBIR grant further validates his company’s technology as it develops its latest anti-cancer product.

“Gynion is developing several products for Women’s Health, including Clarablex for the prevention of cervical cancer,” Shikhman said. “Clarablex is designed to be as effective as current alternatives, yet a lot easier to use and significantly more affordable, removing all existing access barriers to timely care for women in the US and globally.”

Congressman Himes, who represents Trumbull among the many municipalities in the fourth Congressional district, is amazed by the work of both companies.

“The therapeutic research conducted in Southwestern Connecticut is truly amazing,” Himes said. “The treatments ZetrOZ Systems and Gynion are developing are poised to help people suffering worldwide. Whether it be reducing pain from everyday tasks or preventing cervical cancer, these companies’ research initiatives stand to tangibly impact, and potentially save, millions of lives. I am glad the federal government has selected them to receive SBIR grants.”

Part of the Small Business Administration’s “America’s Seed Fund,” SBIR grants are awarded through a competitive application process to companies that are dedicated to scientific research and technological innovation. SBIR grants help create more than 65,000 jobs in the U.S. every year.