ARPA‑H makes global call for innovative ideas to revolutionise cell therapy storage
The United States Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPAH) has launched the BioStabilization Systems (BoSS) program—an international call for technologies that could make room temperature storage and transport of cell based therapies a reality. WA researchers, innovators and companies with capabilities in biostabilisation, cell processing or advanced materials are encouraged to engage.
Why it matters
Biologics (including gene and cell therapies) are among the most promising treatments for cancer, autoimmune conditions and rare diseases, yet their dependence on ultracold “cold chain” logistics constrains access and escalates costs. BoSS aims to pioneer nature-inspired strategies and advanced materials to enable long-term, room temperature stability for living cells—reducing losses, cutting costs and widening patient access.
What ARPA‑H is seeking
ARPA‑H invites multidisciplinary teams to propose solutions spanning two complementary technical areas:
- Cell interventions (TA1): reversible approaches that preserve cell integrity prior to stabilisation and support high-quality restoration (“reanimation”).
- Scalable bioprocessing (TA2): instrumentation and processes that deploy biostabilisation at commercial scale, integrating with existing biomanufacturing workflows.
An Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V) partner will provide standardised cell types and benchmarking to validate performance across the program.
Key dates
- Proposers’ Day: 29 January 2026 (Washington, DC):
- In-person registration closes: 16 January 2026
- Virtual registration closes: 25 January 2026
- Performer Solution Summary due: 19 February 2026 (5:00pm ET)
- Performer Solution Pitch due: 26 March 2026 (5:00pm ET)
- IV&V Solution Summary due: 17 April 2026 (5:00pm ET)
- IV&V Solution Pitch due: 15 May 2026 (5:00pm ET)
How to participate
- Explore the BoSS program overview on ARPA‑H’s website: Program page (external site)
- Register for Proposers’ Day via the ARPA‑H Solutions Portal: Solutions Portal – BoSS (external site).
- See the official Special Notice (including event details) on SAM.gov: SAM.gov – BoSS Proposers’ Day (external site).
Western Australian context
The FHRI Fund supports a strong, globally connected research and innovation ecosystem in WA. Sharing opportunities like BoSS aligns with our commitment to provide a secure source of funding that improves health outcomes, boosts system efficiency and drives economic prosperity for Western Australians.