Project will evaluate Cryomilled AegisCell™ technology to improve blood logistics in austere operational environments
KANSAS CITY, MO. – Likarda, Inc. announces it has been selected by AFWERX for a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract focused on advancing its Cryomilled AegisCell™ hydrogel technology to address one of the Department of the Air Force’s (DAF) most pressing medical logistics challenges, improving the storage and transport of blood products in austere and operational environments. Through this effort, Likarda will evaluate how its proprietary hydrogel technology can enhance blood product preservation, simplify logistics, and improve medical readiness for deployed military personnel.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating proposal-to-award timelines, expanding opportunities for small businesses, and reducing administrative barriers through continuous process improvements. Since launching the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018, the Department of the Air Force has broadened the range of innovative technologies it supports, enabling companies like Likarda to rapidly transition breakthrough technologies that strengthen national defense. With this Phase I award, Likarda begins its collaboration with Department of the Air Force stakeholders to evaluate and adapt its Cryomilled AegisCell™ technology for military medical logistics applications, establishing the foundation for future operational testing and deployment.
“This award represents an exciting opportunity to explore how Likarda’s hydrogel technologies can address critical challenges in military medicine,” said Dr. Lisa Stehno-Bittel, Founder and President of Likarda. “By working directly with Department of the Air Force stakeholders, we aim to develop solutions that improve the storage and transport of blood products, ultimately supporting medical readiness and improving care for service members in challenging operational environments.”
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of War, or the U.S. government.
About Likarda
Likarda is a biotechnology company developing advanced hydrogel technologies that improve the delivery, preservation, and performance of biologics, cell therapies, and regenerative medicine products. Its proprietary Core-Shell Spherification® (CSS®) and AegisCell™ platforms enable extended therapeutic delivery, enhanced storage and transport, and innovative formulation solutions for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and government partners. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, Likarda collaborates with industry and government organizations to accelerate the development of next-generation therapeutics.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the Department of the Air Force’s primary scientific research and development center and one of six centers within Air Force Materiel Command. AFRL leads the discovery, development and delivery of technologies for air, space and the multidomain. With a workforce spanning seven mission areas at more than 40 locations worldwide, AFRL conducts research ranging from basic science to advanced technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and a division within the Air Force Research Laboratory, partners with small businesses, startups and nontraditional vendors to address challenges facing Airmen and Guardians. Headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, AFWERX strengthens the defense industrial base by expanding access to innovators, building partnerships and accelerating the transition of critical technologies to operational capability. In fiscal year 2025, AFWERX awarded more than 1,000 contracts totaling $1.37 billion and achieved 438 Phase III transitions valued at $8.1 billion. For more information, visit afwerx.com.
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