MicroTher: Drug Discovery from the Microbiota

Project Information

MicroTher

Grant agreement ID: 813099

DOI

10.3030/813099

Project closed

EC signature date 10 August 2018

Start date 1 September 2018

End date 29 February 2020

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 150 000,00

EU contribution

€ 150 000,00

Coordinated by

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI PERUGIA
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MicroTher (MicroTher: Drug Discovery from the Microbiota)

Reporting period: 2018-09-01 to 2020-02-29

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The MicroTher project was designed with the objective to pave the way for the commercialization of a ‘postbiotic’ molecule, named Indole-3-aldehyde (3-IAld), able to repair the intestinal wall of animals. A preclinical pharmacological and toxicology study was a prerequisite to move 3-IAld towards commercialization for therapeutic purposes. The results confirmed the role of 3-IAld as a potential cure for broken guts without toxicity, and identified other molecules derived from 3-IAld that may contribute to its therapeutic effect. A market analysis to identify indications with the highest attractiveness for commercialization of 3-IAld prioritized the metabolic syndrome followed by Inflammatory Bowel Disease. The subsequent steps towards commercialization resulted in a collaborative research plan with a pharmaceutical company. Given the high burden of metabolic syndrome, the commercialization of 3-IAld, a safe, effective and economic molecule, may have a major socioeconomic impact.