Willow Biosciences Inc. announced the development of a process to produce corticosteroids at significantly reduced cost by utilizing its BioOxi platform for efficient bio-hydroxylation that can transform manufacturing. Corticosteroids are broadly used as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant drugs. According to independent research firm, ResearchandMarkets, the global corticosteroids market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% and reach $5.93 billion in 2026 and North America was the larger region for use of corticosteroids in 2022.

A large percentage of corticosteroid production is outside the United States, which can pose supply chain security issues for drug manufacturers and potentially lead to drug shortages. Willow's innovative BioOxi process represents a step change by significantly reducing production costs and is expected to be sufficiently competitive to enable greater onshoring of corticosteroid manufacturing, leading to a more secure domestic supply chain. Coupled with pending patent protection, should it be granted, Willow believes this wholly-owned technology will provide a significant competitive advantage to potential pharmaceutical manufacturing partners.

By leveraging BioOxi, commercial partners can revolutionize the manufacturing process of hydroxylated functional ingredients such as steroids, polyphenols, oxyterpenes, and other ingredients.