Scientific collaboration to study the anti-inflammatory activity of gut beneficial bacteria, more specifically Christensenella for which LNC Therapeutics holds an exclusive worldwide license
- Scientific collaboration to study the anti-inflammatory activity of gut beneficial bacteria, more specifically Christensenella for which LNC Therapeutics holds an exclusive worldwide license
- Collaboration with the Micalis Institute (joint research unit between INRA, AgroParisTech and Paris-Saclay University), a cutting-edge European microbiology research organization
Bordeaux, December 11th, 2019 – LNC Therapeutics, a French biotech company specializing in the research and development of innovative drugs harnessing the potential of the gut microbiome, announced today the signing of a research partnership with the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), to study relationships between the gut microbiome and inflammatory diseases. LNC Therapeutics will work in collaboration with the Micalis Institute, a joint research unit between INRA, AgroParisTech and the Paris-Saclay University, dedicated to microbiology research.
Inflammatory diseases: inflammatory processes are linked to a dysfunctional gut microbiome
Many studies have identified the role of the gut microbiome in developing and keeping the immune system functional. Bacteria in the intestine act as a barrier preventing the infection and colonization by potentially pathogenic foreign bacteria.
Intestinal dysbiosis1 may disrupt the immune system and as a result play a key role in triggering or exacerbating the severity of inflammation in several chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as respiratory diseases such as allergies or asthma.
LNC Therapeutics intends to harness the potential of beneficial bacteria such as Christensenella by developing single strain live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) to treat patients suffering from inflammatory diseases. Several studies have established a link between Christensenella bacteria and IBDs, highlighting the potential of this new therapeutic approach.
An innovative exploratory research partnership to identify new applications of Christensenella in inflammation-related diseases
LNC Therapeutics will work closely with the team “Interactions of Commensal and Probiotic Microorganisms with the Host” (ProbiHôte) led by Philippe Langella, Research Director of First Class of INRA, that specializes in the study and characterization of commensal and probiotic bacteria’s beneficial effects in human health. The partnership with ProbiHôte aims to study the antiinflammatory properties of Christensenella bacteria. The partnership may eventually lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets for the development of Christensenella single strain LBPs in inflammatory diseases.
Georges Rawadi, Chief Executive Officer of LNC Therapeutics, said: “We are excited to initiate this collaboration with a Micalis Institute team as highly experienced and qualified as Philippe Langella’s. Inflammation lies at the source of many chronic conditions for which available treatment options are often substandard because they address only the immune factors without taking into account the microbiota’s essential role. Our live biotherapeutic products could serve as a potentially effective option to deliver anti-inflammatory effects. ”
Philippe Langella, Research Director of INRA and Deputy Director of the Micalis institute, added: “Awareness of the impact of intestinal bacteria on human health is constantly evolving. With the growing evidence that dysfunctionality in gut microbiome can lead to inflammatory diseases, we now need to exploit these discoveries to develop new innovative therapies. We are very excited about this research partnership with LNC Therapeutics. The properties of the christensenella bacteria hold particular promise, and we believe that studying interactions between these bacteria and inflammatory conditions will enhance our understanding of how these diseases can be treated.”
About Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs):
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, a live biotherapeutic product contains live organisms, such as bacteria, and is applicable to the prevention, treatment, or cure of a disease or condition in human beings. LNC Therapeutics has opted to develop single strain live biotherapeutic products, which use a single strain of bacteria selected specifically for each drug candidate.
About LNC Therapeutics – www.lnc.bio
LNC Therapeutics is a French biotech company specializing in the research and development of therapeutic innovations harnessing the potential of the gut microbiome.
Founded in 2010, it is developing a new class of drugs—single strain live biotherapeutic products (LBPs). Its most advanced development program aims to begin in-human clinical trials of an initial product targeting obesity and metabolic diseases. Its portfolio includes other innovative programs in the treatment of indications with substantial unmet medical needs and protected by a vast patent portfolio.
Supported by leading venture capital investors, such as Seventure Partners, and family offices, LNC Therapeutics has established collaborative projects worldwide with renowned scientific experts to maintain the highest standards in its development of innovative biotherapeutics.
1 An imbalance or significant deterioration in the functioning of the gut microbiota
