GLP-1 producing engineered probiotics to help manage metabolic diseases
Official title: Developing GLP-1 Producing Genetically Engineered Probiotics for Treatment of Metabolic Diseases
Funded at Medosome Biotec, LLC · NIH-11314389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project aims to create probiotic bacteria that constantly deliver GLP-1 to help people with type 2 diabetes and obesity manage their condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medosome Biotec, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Alachua, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 15, 2026 |
| Project end | July 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $356,251 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DK146558-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11314389 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with type 2 diabetes or obesity who could benefit from better glucose control and appetite regulation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without metabolic disease or those unable to tolerate or access probiotic-based therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant explores engineering gut bacteria to produce GLP-1 right in the digestive tract, potentially improving blood sugar control and reducing appetite. The approach focuses on delivering GLP-1 locally in the gut with the goal of better tolerance and accessibility than injectable therapies. The study is conducted by MEDOSOME BIOTEC, LLC, led by Dr. Richard Wagner, and targets adults with metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes and obesity, with an eye toward translating the work to patients if successful.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new, more convenient option for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity through a probiotic-based therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Probiotic approaches for metabolic health have shown promise, but engineering GLP-1 delivery is a novel and emerging strategy with potential high impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Medosome Biotec, LLC
Alachua, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wagner, Richard — Medosome Biotec, LLC
- Study coordinator: Wagner, Richard
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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.