Birmingham Biotech Makes History with NoriZite Nasal Spray: A Milestone in Anti-Viral Advancements

“We, at Birmingham Biotech LTD., place a strong focus on research and development, specializing in the advancement and commercialization of cutting-edge healthcare technologies while formulating effective deployment strategies for market entry.”

Birmingham Biotech is an award-winning innovator in diagnostic tests and protective nasal and throat sprays for medical conditions with an urgent, unmet need. In collaboration with the University of Birmingham, the company is dedicated to bridging healthcare gaps in developing nations by providing access to cutting-edge, cost-effective medical solutions through its efficient global supply network. Governments and healthcare entities worldwide rely on Birmingham Biotech as a comprehensive source for internationally approved tests, equipment, and consumables.

The company is headquartered in Birmingham, England.

The Silicon Review reached out to Michael Hsu, Founder & CEO of Birmingham Biotech, and here’s what he had to say.

Interview Highlights

Please tell us about the circumstances or events that led to the founding of Birmingham Biotech.

Birmingham Biotech LTD. was founded in 2020 amid the widespread pandemic. During that period, various countries and companies were actively seeking solutions to prevent and treat COVID-19 infections. However, whether developing vaccines or specific drugs, the entire process—from research and development to launch—even with specialized channels, couldn’t be expedited. The urgency imposed by the pandemic also meant that the transfer of university technology to clinical benefits needed to hasten. The company was founded to identify the most effective and safe solutions against the new coronavirus. With a robust partnership with the globally top-ranked University of Birmingham, the company is dedicated to ensuring patients have access to the latest, high-quality healthcare services, delivered through its swift global supply chain, and at an affordable cost.

Q. As an innovative manufacturer and supplier of medical diagnostic equipment and devices, what are Birmingham Biotech’s key focus areas?    

We, at Birmingham Biotech LTD., place a strong focus on research and development, specializing in the advancement and commercialization of cutting-edge healthcare technologies while formulating effective deployment strategies for market entry. Currently, the company offers a diverse range of in vitro diagnostic solutions, medical devices, and health supplements to the global community at considerably lower costs. These innovative offerings are designed not only to provide affordable access but also to empower healthcare professionals and contribute to the modernization of healthcare systems worldwide.

Q. What strategies does Birmingham Biotech implement to exceed client expectations?

Birmingham Biotech has introduced a groundbreaking commercialization ecosystem, where R&D, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs departments work in tandem. This collaborative approach streamlines the processes of product registration and market entry. This innovation allows the company to efficiently translate intellectual property into commercially viable products, cutting down development timelines substantially and ensuring the swift availability of crucial healthcare solutions.

Birmingham Biotech achieved a remarkable milestone with the development of the revolutionary product, NoriZite Nasal Spray. From licensing to market availability, the entire process took less than 12 months, showcasing the company’s exceptional speed and efficiency. This rapid progress was made possible by Birmingham Biotech’s lean and agile operational model, setting it apart from larger counterparts. The groundbreaking nasal spray was first launched in Singapore in May 2022 and swiftly gained traction in various countries, including the United Kingdom, Europe, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Taiwan, South Africa, and Jordan. The company has ambitious plans for further expansion into Latin America.

Q. Can you provide us with one or two success stories, detailing specific client challenges and how Birmingham Biotech’s solutions contributed to their success?  

The distribution strategies for healthcare products must be adaptable to the diverse business models and preferences in every country. A failure to understand local customer preferences and establish suitable partnerships, along with selecting the right distribution channels, can hinder successful market entry. Given the unique nature of our products, it is essential to invest in sales training and coaching to ensure that tailored customer education is effectively implemented.

Currently, our operations in the UK involve the use of e-commerce marketing tools. Internationally, we collaborate with local pharmaceutical companies and distributors to access retail pharmacies and health and beauty product chain stores. Recently, we have formed distribution partnerships with pharmaceutical companies in ‘closed markets’ like South Africa and Latin America, bringing us one step closer to realizing our ambition of becoming a world-class player in this emerging industry.

Q. Tell us about the Birmingham Biotech team. What value do they bring to the company?

Birmingham Biotech is led by a dynamic and experienced team, complementing my role. The key members of our leadership include:

Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Julie Wang: Dr. Wang brings over a decade of experience in pharmaceutical sciences research and regulatory affairs consultation. Her expertise significantly contributes to the advancement of our research and development initiatives.

Operation Director, Elizabeth Tsai: With 10 years of valuable business development experience, particularly in Asian markets, Elizabeth Tsai plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing the company’s operational strategies.

Production Manager, Gary Zheng: Gary Zheng, our Product Manager, has an impressive 30 years of R&D experience. His extensive background, including his role as the former general manager of a state-owned biotechnology enterprise in China, enriches our product management and development endeavors.

This cohesive and skilled leadership team is dedicated to driving Birmingham Biotech’s success in the biotechnology sector.

Furthermore, we, at Birmingham Biotech, are proud to collaborate with world-renowned healthcare and research experts, who serve as vital technical consultants offering scientific insight and support. Among these distinguished professionals are:

Prof. Liam Grover: Prof. Grover holds the esteemed position of a founding director at the Healthcare Technologies Institute at the University of Birmingham. Additionally, he is recognized as a Fellow of the prestigious Academy of Medical Sciences (UK) and played a pivotal role as a co-inventor of the groundbreaking NoriZite Nasal Spray technology.

Dr. Richard Moakes: Dr. Moakes, also a co-inventor of the nasal spray technology, brings valuable expertise in navigating translational pathways. His track record includes successfully advancing three new therapies to clinical trials and bringing one technology to market.

Dr. Leo Galland: Dr. Galland, based in New York, is a distinguished internist and author with a specialization in undiagnosed or difficult-to-treat illnesses. His practice integrates conventional and alternative therapies, and he was honored with the Linus Pauling Award by the Institute for Functional Medicine in 2000.

These accomplished professionals significantly contribute to the scientific excellence and technical innovation driving Birmingham Biotech’s healthcare solutions.

Q. What new endeavors is Birmingham Biotech currently undertaking?

Birmingham Biotech is committed to investing in scientific and technological excellence, as demonstrated by our product pipeline that leverages the patented NoriZite^™ formulation and its derivatives. Our focus extends to diverse areas such as wound healing, skincare, and antiviral lubricants. The flexibility of the NoriZite^™ formulation enables seamless integration of active drug ingredients, fostering collaborative research and development initiatives with pharmaceutical companies. This approach positions us at the forefront of innovation, driving advancements in healthcare solutions across multiple domains.

Q. Is there anything you would like to add before we wrap up?

We take pride in our award-winning NoriZite Nasal Spray, a revolutionary anti-viral product created with a meticulously balanced blend of natural ingredients. This formulation is designed to coat the nasal cavity, establishing a robust barrier that physically traps viruses. It aids in the removal of viruses from the nose through the body’s natural clearance pathways, preventing potential infections.

Our NoriZite Nasal Spray stands out due to its specific engineering to maximize spray distribution while maintaining a high material viscosity. This technological innovation directly addresses the limitations of existing nasal applicants in the market. Traditional low-viscosity sprays often lead to swift clearance, while more viscous versions create uncomfortable “jets,” offering minimal protection.

When applied with a typical nasal spray applicator, NoriZite Nasal Spray produces ‘plumes’ rather than ‘jets,’ resulting in up to six times more surface coverage compared to other nasal sprays. Its exceptional sticking power enables it to adhere to the inside of the nose, remaining effective for at least six hours post-application. This remarkable performance sets it apart from many standard nasal sprays available in the market.

Michael Hsu | Founder & CEO

Michael Hsu is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier, having earned his MSc from the prestigious London School of Economics. With over two decades of experience, he has demonstrated his expertise in cross-border transactions and fundraising. Michael has a track record of successfully founding multiple businesses and providing strategic planning, structured financing, and corporate development consulting services.

“With a robust partnership with the globally top-ranked University of Birmingham, the company is dedicated to ensuring patients have access to the latest, high-quality healthcare services, delivered through its swift global supply chain, and at an affordable cost.”