University of Iowa spin-off Viewpoint Molecular Targeting has recently been awarded a $2 million Phase II NIH SBIR to support development of a new treatment for metastatic melanoma. The company also took top honors in the NIH Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Roadshow Business Pitch Competition held Sept. 6 at the Sheraton Hotel in Iowa City.

Viewpoint came out on top against a competitive group of eight other Phase II SBIR companies from Iowa. The competition was sponsored by the Iowa Innovation Corporation to promote spin-off companies who have received Small Business Innovation Research grants from the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa.

Viewpoint was founded by Carver College of Medicine faculty Michael K. Schultz, PhD, Radiology, and Frances L. Johnson, MD, Internal Medicine and is joined by new hire Edwin Sagastume, BSE, engineer and recent graduate of the UI College of Engineering.

The competition was sponsored by the Iowa Innovation Corporation to promote companies in the state of Iowa who have received Small Business Innovation Research grants to support spinoff company activities from the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa.