Next-Generation Nitric Oxide Therapies
Technology Powered by Intracellular nitric oxide (NO) Store
About us
NANOS Inc. is a biotechnology company, based in LLU’s N3Eight Incubator Program and supported by NIH STTR funding. We are dedicated to advancing the NANOS theory and translating it into innovative treatments that restore blood flow, protect organs, and improve patient outcomes across a wide range of serious and life-threatening conditions.
Science
NANOS Theory
The NANOS theory (Nitrodilator-Activated Intracellular NO Store) proposes that cells contain a substantial, underutilized intracellular store of nitric oxide (NO) that can be selectively “awakened” by endogenous and exogenous nitrodilators such as nitrosothiols and nitroglycerin. Rather than viewing these nitrodilators as the primary source of NO, NANOS highlights their role as triggers that mobilize this internal NO reservoir, improving microvascular blood flow, protecting organs, and overcoming classic problems like nitroglycerin tolerance. This framework reframes NO from a fleeting signaling molecule into a targetable, rechargeable store, opening new possibilities for therapy across a wide range of diseases.
Research Highlights
- Liu T.; Zhang M.; Li Q.; Schroeder H.; Power G.G.; and Blood A.B. Nitrite reverses nitroglycerin tolerance via repletion of a nitrodilator-activated nitric oxide store in vascular smooth muscle cells. Redox Biology, 2025, 80:103513
- Liu T.; Schroeder H.; Power G.G.; Blood A.B. A physiologically relevant role for NO stored in vascular smooth muscle cells- A novel theory of vascular NO signaling. Redox Biology, 2022, 53:102327.
- Liu T.; Zhang M.; Mukosera, G.T. ; Power G.G.; Li Q.; Dan B.; Blood A.B. L-NAME releases NO and potentiates Nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation. Redox Biology, 2019, 26:101238.
Patents
PCT/US Patent Application US20250205276A1 – Method patent for therapeutic use of combinations of nitrodilators (e.g., nitroglycerin) and nitro-group compounds (e.g., nitrite) to target a broad range of microvascular diseases and related conditions. Inventors: Taiming Liu and Arlin Blood.
The NANOS Discovery Story
Scientific Journey
The NANOS theory emerged from a long-term scientific effort to understand how NO signaling is stored, released, and regulated in biological systems. What began as a conceptual insight evolved over more than fifteen years into a coherent mechanistic framework, driven by sustained experimental exploration and refinement. Through iterative discovery, the theory grew from an initial hypothesis into a platform with broad therapeutic implications across cardiovascular, metabolic, and ischemic diseases.
People Behind
The NANOS theory originated from a conceptual insight developed by Dr. Taiming Liu and advanced through more than fifteen years of sustained experimental work. Dr. Liu served as the primary scientific driver of the theory’s development, refining the mechanistic framework and expanding its therapeutic implications. Throughout this journey—including periods when the laboratory faced gaps and shortfalls in funding—Dr. Arlin Blood provided consistent support, mentorship, and an environment that allowed the research to continue and mature, contributing operational guidance and long-term program stability. Together, their complementary roles enabled the evolution of the NANOS theory from an initial idea into a translational platform. In the early years, the broader field viewed the NANOS concept with considerable skepticism, and the laboratory faced significant resource challenges, but Dr. Liu and Dr. Blood worked together to push the research forward and sustain its progress.
Our Team
Taiming Liu PhD
Taiming Liu PhD
Taiming Liu PhD
CEO & Co-Founder, NANOS Inc.
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Loma Linda, California, USA
Arlin Blood PhD
Taiming Liu PhD
Taiming Liu PhD
CFO & Co-Founder, NANOS Inc.
Associate Professor, Center for Perinatal Biology & Departments of Basic Sciences and Pediatrics, Loma Linda University School of Medicine