It’s a minuscule dot barely larger than a grain of salt yet it holds over 10 million genetically engineered bacteria. These microbes are safeguarded by an advanced method designed to withstand the harsh conditions of gut inflammation.

Developed in British Columbia this breakthrough technology could be a game changer in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) a condition that drastically affects the lives of millions worldwide.

Probiotics beneficial bacteria with therapeutic potential struggle to survive in inflamed gut environments limiting their effectiveness as an IBD treatment. To overcome this challenge Melius has introduced two pioneering technologies:

BioPersist: A genetic modification that enhances probiotic bacterias ability to survive in inflamed gut conditions.

Encapsulation: A microscopic delivery capsule designed to release BioPersist only at the targeted site within the intestines.

The result is a more precise and effective treatment with promising benefits for both humans and animals.

This innovation stems from 15 years of gut microbiome research led by Melius’ Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Deanna Gibson. Based at her lab at the University of British Columbia Okanagan, where she also serves as a professor, Gibson recognized the potential of targeted probiotics as a powerful therapeutic solution.

The breakthrough moment came in 2019 when Dr. Gibson received an Innovation to Commercialization (I2C) award from Michael Smith Health Research BC. This funding allowed her to secure patent protection and advance testing starting with mouse models and later expanding to pigs. The successful trials demonstrated BioPersist’s potential as a promising treatment for human patients.

I can say with certainty that none of this would have been possible without the support of the Health Research BC I2C award says Gibson.

In 2023, Gibson and Emlyn co-founded Melius MicroBiomics to bring their groundbreaking microbial medicines to market. With $8 million in investment secured and an additional US$10 million actively being pursued, Melius is at the forefront of developing a regional biotechnology hub in BC’s Interior. The company which currently employs eight PhDs is advancing commercialization efforts in both human and animal therapeutics.

Building a biotech company here not only drives economic growth but also establishes a new area of expertise in Kelowna Gibson says. We're excited to be part of this expansion

Source: https://healthresearchbc.ca/news_article/tiny-capsule-big-impact-the-bc-breakthrough-that-could-transform-gut-health/