Microbiota modulation strategies - Results
Project Mimosa over time
The MIMOSA project aims to alleviate Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) using the intestinal microbiome, in collaboration with KU Leuven, UZ Leuven, and Imelda Hospital in Bonheiden. Significant outcomes have been achieved, with more on the way.
IBD affects over 3 million people in Europe, costing 5 billion euros annually. Beyond financial costs, it impacts patients' physical and emotional well-being. Current treatments focus on symptom reduction, but the root causes, like gut dysbiosis, remain untreated. The MIMOSA project targets the microbiome as a treatment pathway for IBD.
In the RESTORE trial, ulcerative colitis patients received fecal microbial transplant (FMT) treatments. Although no significant difference was found between treatment and placebo groups, valuable insights were gained, guiding future FMT trials.
The project also explored enhancing acetate production by the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii for ulcerative colitis. Positive results from studies on patient-derived cultures and animals sparked the interest of Lallemand, which is licensing the engineered strain for animal nutrition.
Additionally, a clinical trial is investigating repurposing statins to reverse Bacteroides2-associated dysbiosis in IBD. Ongoing data collection could lead to rapid implementation if successful.
Finally, two consortia of human-derived strains are ready for pre-clinical testing to mitigate ulcerative colitis. This integrated approach aims to establish partnerships with biopharmaceutical companies to improve the lives of IBD patients.