Next Generation Microbiome Platform

Project Information

FlexiBiome

Grant agreement ID: 807302

DOI

10.3030/807302

Project closed

EC signature date 2 March 2018

Start date 1 April 2018

End date 31 July 2018

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies – Biotechnology

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

PHARMABIOME AG
Switzerland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - FlexiBiome (Next Generation Microbiome Platform)

Reporting period: 2018-04-01 to 2018-07-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The drive to address disease causing deficiencies in the microbiome (gut flora) has only recently started to gain traction due to the successful use of FMT (fecal microbiome transplant). At present the key disease areas for application are in the gastrointestinal space, but a multitude of chronic diseases like type II diabetes and cancer are the upcoming and innovative expansion segments for microbiome therapeutics.
At PharmaBiome, we want to change the way healthcare thinks about microbiome therapies. We believe that only in-depth knowledge of the single microbes and their role within the human intestine can result in efficient products. FlexiBiome is a platform designed to effectively treat microbiome dysbiosis-related indications. We deliver safe, robust and indication-specific microbial products with a scalable production process to establish microbiome therapeutics in the drug market.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

We have determined the required technology developments, evaluating the steps for FlexiBiome production scale up and preparing it for preclinical and clinical studies. After updating the commercial potential of FlexiBiome, we have designed a strategy with an initial focus on chronic intestinal diseases such as UC (Ulcerative colitis) leveraging our unique safety aspect, backed up by our IP approach and financial strategy until 2022.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

There are no microbiome-based drugs currently on the market. The human microbiome-based drugs and diagnostics pipeline is strong, with over 25 active companies and more than 50 programs in clinical/preclinical development and over 1,000 registered clinical trials. The Global Human Microbiome Market has a huge growth potential, despite the uncertainties coming with disruptive innovations in the human health sector (depending on successful result of the clinical trials for drug candidates).
PharmaBiome’s pipeline represents an innovative technological platform allowing for the first time the development of prototype-consortia ready for clinical studies. The process is based on the isolation of intestinal microbes from healthy individuals. We rationally assemble consortia building a minimal functional microbiota around the desired function. We thereby create an effective consortium integrating the mode of action within the main functions of a healthy intestine using a minimal number of bacteria. The modularity of our approach allows fast development cycles and is therefore a valuable tool to specifically target further indications.

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