Low-cost, heat-stable antibody therapy for inflammatory bowel disease made in corn
Official title: Production of low-cost heat stable forms of adalimumab in maize for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Funded at Applied Biotechnology Institute · NIH-11184608 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, affordable antibody therapy for inflammatory bowel disease would be produced in corn and could be taken orally.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Applied Biotechnology Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Luis Obispo, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $299,936 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AI186801-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11184608 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) who are candidates for antibody-based biologic therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who require injectable administration or do not respond to anti-TNF therapies may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to produce adalimumab, a TNF-targeting antibody, in maize so patients with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis could receive it in a convenient, heat-stable form. The approach leverages a proprietary corn-based expression system that may allow oral delivery by bioencapsulation in the maize matrix, potentially reducing the need for injections. The grant focuses on creating large amounts of the antibody in maize, either as a full IgG or as a hybrid IgG/IgA to enhance stability. If successful, this could lead to a more accessible, patient-friendly therapy option for IBD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have an affordable, orally deliverable antibody therapy that simplifies treatment and improves quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise for plant-based production of therapeutic antibodies, but oral delivery via maize is still an emerging concept with limited clinical translation.
Where this research is happening
-
Applied Biotechnology Institute
San Luis Obispo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Egelkrout, Erin — Applied Biotechnology Institute
- Study coordinator: Egelkrout, Erin
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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.