Dual-action oral immunotherapy to prevent C. difficile infections
Official title: Development of a Dual-Action Oral Immunotherapy for Clostridioides difficile Prevention
Funded at Fzata, INC. · NIH-11312101 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new oral therapy using two engineered probiotic yeast strains aims to prevent C. difficile infections by neutralizing toxins and stopping spores from spreading, with the goal of reducing recurrence and preserving gut health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fzata, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Halethorpe, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2026 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $313,095 |
| NIH project number | 1R44AI197301-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11312101 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for or with a history of C. difficile infection who can take oral probiotics.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals unable to take oral therapies or with severe immunocompromise may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a two-strain probiotic yeast therapy given by mouth to people at risk of C. difficile infection. One strain tackles the toxins that cause disease, while the other strain helps prevent bacteria from sticking and forming spores. The therapy is designed to stay in the gut and work with antibiotics without disrupting the overall gut microbiome. The study is planned in two phases and will be conducted by FZATA, INC. in the United States under an NIH R44 mechanism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could reduce CDI recurrence, lower healthcare costs, and preserve gut microbiota.
How similar studies have gone: Other probiotic approaches have shown variable effectiveness; this approach is novel by combining toxin neutralization with anti-spore activity.
Where this research is happening
-
Fzata, INC.
Halethorpe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Zhiyong — Fzata, INC.
- Study coordinator: Yang, Zhiyong
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.