A Method for Modulating Hydrogen Sulfide Concentrations in the Human Intestine

Source: Author: Grafvision/ Adobe Stock File #586108897

Background

Gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be severely debilitating, often due to the alteration in the gut microbiome. A need persists for innovative therapeutic strategies that can manage and actively combat these diseases by interacting with and modifying the gut biome in response to disease indications. A particularly promising approach is the manipulation of sulfur species, notably hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), within the gut, which has been linked to gut health.

Current strategies focusing on modifying disease-causing chemicals in the gut or releasing specific drugs lack the dynamism and responsiveness necessary for effective treatment. The attempts to manipulate sulfur species have largely been limited to academic studies and experiments on animal models or human cell culture systems. Commercial entities focusing on modifying the gut microbiome have either not targeted sulfur species or lack the capability to sense and respond to the intestinal environment.

Technology Overview

Concordance Therapeutics, a Northeastern spinout, introduces smart probiotics, engineered bacteria designed to modify the intestinal environment with a focus on sulfur species like hydrogen sulfide. These smart probiotics can efficiently sense chemical markers to identify the presence of diseases, such as IBD and modify the levels of sulfur species in response. This innovation sets itself apart by offering a highly dynamic solution compared to static methods of modifying disease-causing chemicals or releasing drugs in the gut. The flexible response mechanisms of these smart probiotics promise a more effective intervention in managing and combating intestinal diseases.