AvantGuard, an Ithaca-based biotechnology company developing antimicrobial technologies inspired by natural human immune defenses, has been awarded three National Institutes of Health grants totaling $2.65 million. The new funding expands the company’s research pipeline across surface disinfection, dermatology, and chronic wound care as it advances its proprietary Avantamine molecule toward multiple clinical and commercial applications.
The grants include a $2 million Phase IIB award supporting the development of long-lasting, non-corrosive antimicrobial surface disinfectants for healthcare and industrial environments. AvantGuard also secured a $300,000 Phase I grant to develop new therapies for dermatophytosis, which includes common fungal infections such as ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch. A third award, a $350,000 Phase I grant, will support research into preventing infections that complicate chronic diabetic foot ulcers, one of the most challenging and costly areas of wound management.
AvantGuard’s technology platform is built on Avantamine, a stabilized version of the chemical mechanism the human immune system uses to neutralize microbes. Unlike conventional antibiotics and disinfectants, Avantamine is designed to deliver broad-spectrum activity without generating resistance or creating unwanted safety issues such as skin irritation or corrosion of treated surfaces. The company sees potential applications across markets where infection control, performance, and safety remain pressing unmet needs.
The new NIH funding will support preclinical development, formulation optimization, and regulatory planning as AvantGuard advances multiple candidate products closer to clinical readiness. The grants also strengthen the company’s broader strategy to build a diversified antimicrobial platform capable of addressing persistent and emerging threats in infection prevention, wound care, and dermatology.
AvantGuard’s growing product pipeline includes AvantSept, AvantGel, and Avant24, each targeting distinct challenges ranging from drug-resistant pathogens to chronic wounds and everyday skin conditions. With the additional federal support, the company aims to progress its technology from laboratory innovation to scalable solutions that improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare-associated risks.
KEY QUOTES:
“Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to human health, and AvantGuard was founded to address this crisis head on. These NIH awards validate our approach and accelerate our mission: developing a compound that delivers powerful antimicrobial protection without the resistance problems that plague traditional antibiotics. By advancing multiple applications simultaneously, we’re not just addressing today’s urgent medical needs—we’re building a sustainable platform for long term innovation in infection prevention.”
Edward Eveleth, CEO
