2022 Rezonn Biosystems—New Approach for Drug Discovery
March 31, 2022
By: Alara Tuncer
The pharmaceutical industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that relies on the consistent
discovery and development of new drugs for existing and emerging diseases. Co-founded by Dr.
Iwao Teraoka and Natalie H. Luo, Rezonn Biosystems aims to introduce a new technology that
uses a “photonic sensor system” to conduct “label-free high-throughput drug screening and in-
vitro diagnostics” for this industry. This novel system utilizes enzymes—protein
catalysts—whilst monitoring resonance wavelength to infer information about the critical
interaction between the substrate and the inhibitor. In other words, this method allows
quantifying the relationship between two molecules to screen for numerous drugs.
Rezonn Biosystems have learned a lot about entrepreneurship by participating in NSF’s I-Corps.
The founders highlight the importance of being “200% confident on the core technology before
pushing too hard on pilot or any form of collaboration.” Although their overall goal remains the
same, “to provide a transformative label-free biosensing platform for early drug discovery &
development in biopharma and lab diagnostics,” they had to pivot their idea slightly from the
original vision to create a product that better fits the market’s needs.
After participating in NSF’s I-Corps and conducting market research and consumer interviews
the founders have advice for entrepreneurs transitioning from academia and just starting their
journey to launch their idea. “Make sure there’s a good market fit,” and the founders go on to
explain that “you need not only to know that there’s an audience but those who are willing to pay
for what you are offering.” So instead of pouring all resources into pilots that may eventually
lead to the final product, it is essential to understand what the market values before spending on
creating the product.
“You need to find the real unmet need where your idea/product could make an impact.” It is also
essential to consider “how practical and sustainable it is.” The founders add that this product can
only be made into reality with the help of a great team that is “on the same page in terms of
commitment because things don’t happen overnight.” On top of that, “a robust support network”
compromising of “mentors, advisors, network, and community will help you get to where you
need to be.”
Primarily, “you have to enjoy it because it’s a lot of hours. If your motivation is entirely based on
an expected payout, you’re going to bail as soon as things look bad.” This is why the co-founders
define personal success as “being able to cope with failure and learn from it.” They go on to
explain that they are “still tackling the problems one-by-one. At this moment, overcoming the
technical faults is a huge success.” This will be followed by “accelerat[ing] growth and
commercializ[ing] new offerings.”
Just like many other start-ups at the beginning stage, the cofounders of Rezonn Biosystems
anticipate many challenges as they move forward with their product. Firstly, in the form of
“funding and resources,” but also to “cultivate relationships throughout all the different stages of
the business.” Although, the pandemic has made this difficult, as the founders define confidence
as a key in all grounds from R & D to business operation,” the co-founders have spent more
effort taking the initiative to connect with people and potential funders.Finally, the founders conclude by saying “constantly listen and converse with potential users,
then target the weakness/pain point of competitors’ products and feedback” and revamp the pilot.
“Learn from” everyone you speak to or get feedback from. “It doesn’t matter how good you are,
because you can’t cover everything yourself” and other perspectives are going to strengthen your
product and business.
