The “common cold” may seem harmless, but for cancer patients with weakened immune systems, Human Rhinovirus (HRV) can be life-threatening, often leading to hospitalization, delayed chemotherapy, or even death. Despite being the most common respiratory virus in this vulnerable group, there is currently no FDA-approved treatment or vaccine.
At Applied Biological Laboratories, we’ve developed a first-of-its-kind formula that combines the proven human protein ICAM-1 with natural antiviral and anti-inflammatory proteins lysozyme and lactoferrin, boosting antiviral potency five-fold. This innovative therapy has been validated in advanced lab models and is poised to protect immunocompromised patients from a virus that can interrupt or endanger life-saving treatments. Vulnerable children and adults battling cancer have a fighting chance against a virus that is far more dangerous for them than for the rest of us.
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The “common cold” may sound harmless, but for cancer patients with weakened immune systems, it can be devastating. The virus that causes most colds — Human Rhinovirus (HRV) — can turn deadly for people battling leukemia and other blood cancers.
Because their immune systems are suppressed, these patients can’t fight off infections the way healthy people can. HRV doesn’t just make them sick — it can delay or completely halt life-saving chemotherapy and stem cell transplants. Studies show that up to 37% of stem cell transplant patients become infected with HRV, making it the most common respiratory virus in this vulnerable group — even more frequent than influenza or RSV. Yet, there is still no FDA-approved treatment or vaccine for it.
At Applied Biological Laboratories, we’ve developed a first-of-its-kind formula designed to treat HRV infections safely and effectively. Our approach builds on a proven human protein therapy, ICAM-1, which was shown in a clinical trial (JAMA, 1999) to reduce viral load by 90% and was found to be both safe and effective.
We’ve supercharged that breakthrough. By combining ICAM-1 with two natural proteins — lysozyme and lactoferrin — our patented formula boosts ICAM-1’s antiviral power five-fold while adding strong anti-inflammatory benefits. These proteins are naturally found in the body and in many nutritional supplements, but in our specific formulation, they work together synergistically to combat infection and inflammation.
Thanks to modern advances in biologics manufacturing and recombinant protein engineering, what wasn’t commercially feasible 20 years ago is now within reach. We’ve validated our formula in human respiratory organoid models, and we’re preparing an IND submission to the FDA in collaboration with leading researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
For most of us, a cold means a stuffy nose and a few days of discomfort. For cancer patients, it can mean a trip to the ICU, a month-long illness, or a deadly setback in their treatment. With no existing cure, the need for an effective HRV therapy has never been greater.
The funds we raise will allow us to set up a small research lab in New York and partner with specialized organizations to advance our work toward an FDA-approved treatment.
We’re raising $1.5 million to take our breakthrough HRV (common cold) treatment to the next stage of development. Here’s how the funds will be used:
$100,000 – To establish manufacturing protocols for ICAM-1, the key human protein in our formula.
$50,000 – To conduct animal studies that help us understand how the treatment behaves in the body (PK/PD).
$500,000 – For animal toxicology testing to confirm the therapy’s safety.
$500,000 – To support small-scale GMP manufacturing, producing clinical-grade material for trials.
$300,000 – To complete our IND filing with the FDA — the final step before entering human clinical trials.
Every dollar brings us closer to protecting immunocompromised cancer patients from a virus that too often costs them their chance at recovery.
We’ll collaborate with leading biotech manufacturing (CDMO) and research (CRO) partners to produce our key ingredient — recombinant ICAM-1, the human protein central to our formula. Together, we’ll conduct essential studies to measure how long our therapy stays active in the nasal passages and how effectively it continues to fight the virus over time.
Back in our lab, our team will test samples for antiviral strength and potency using advanced techniques like plaque assays and PCR analysis — the same tools used in top virology research.
We’ll also engage expert legal and regulatory advisors to prepare for our IND submission to the FDA, which is the crucial next step toward clinical trials.
Despite being the most common respiratory illness among immunocompromised patients — especially those fighting blood cancers — there are no FDA-approved treatments or vaccines for Human Rhinovirus (HRV). For patients undergoing chemotherapy or stem cell transplants, an HRV infection can be devastating, often leading to hospitalization, delayed treatment, or even death.
It’s tragic that something so common can be so dangerous for those already fighting for their lives.
As the poet quipped decades ago — words that still ring true today:
“I love the doctors—they are dears;
But must they spend such years and years
Investigating such a lot
Of illnesses which no one’s got,
When everybody, young and old,
Is frantic with the common cold?
And I will eat my only hat
If they know anything of that!”
Applied Biological Laboratories
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Chief Executive Officer
Before joining Applied Bio in 2024, Rob spent 7 years as CEO NA for Weleda, a natural organic personal care and homeopathic medicine brand, where Rob engineered and executed the growth strategy to reverse a 5-year business decline and ignite sustainable, margin-accretive growth. Prior to Weleda, Rob served in multiple senior leadership roles at Unilever. As Senior Global Brand Director of Iced Tea (2013-2016), he oversaw the global P&L as well as global brand strategy, equity development, innovation and global expansion, doubling the Pure Leaf brand from $350MM-$700MM. As Senior Global Brand Director of TRESemme hair care (2010-2013), he oversaw the global P&L, brand strategy, equity development, innovation and global expansion to grow the business from $360MM – $850MM. Prior to Unilever, Rob served in multiple senior leadership roles at Alberto Culver and SC Johnson. Rob completed his MBA at the Northwestern Kellogg Graduate School.
Co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer
Nazlie co-founded Applied Biological Laboratories in 2016 to address the need for better viral respiratory treatments. She has written several patents on the unique technology and has published her findings, including a clinical trial, in peer-reviewed scientific pubications. Before Applied Bio, Nazlie served as Chief Scientist at Pegasus Capital Advisors, a premier private equity firm with $3B Assets Under Management (AUM) based in New York City. Prior to this appointment, Nazlie was a biotechnology analyst at an investment banking firm. She received a PhD in molecular neuroscience from Montreal Neurological Institute of McGill University, MS from New York University, and a BA from Northwestern University.
VP Research & Development
Pavel has over 20 years of research experience in academic and industry settings and has authored 30 publications in peer-reviewed journals including Nature, Cell, and Science. Before his employment at Applied Bio, Pavel served as Senior Scientist at Mirimus Inc. Pavel was also a Research Associate at Weill Cornell Medicine and Research Investigator at Population Council. Pavel was a post-doctoral fellow and received his PhD in immunology from Weill Cornell Medicine.
