Probiotic-loaded Hydrogels to Prevent and Treat Oral Candidiasis and Imbalance
Official title: Pro-CanDy (Probiotic-Loaded Hydrogels for the Prevention and Management of Oral Candidiasis and Dysbiosis)
Funded at Methodist Hospital Research Institute · NIH-11338354 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A probiotic-delivery hydrogel treatment using Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4 is being explored to prevent and treat oral yeast infections and microbial imbalance, especially in people with autoimmune or immunocompromised conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $363,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE035829-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11338354 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with autoimmune conditions, immunosuppression, or recent antibiotic exposure who are at risk for oral candidiasis or mucosal infections.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autoimmune conditions or those not at risk for oral infections may see limited benefit from this specific oral hydrogel approach.
What this research studies
This project tests a locally acting probiotic therapy delivered in a gellan gum hydrogel to restore healthy mouth bacteria and curb Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans. It builds on prior lab and animal studies showing reduced biofilm formation and inflammation, with the goal of a safe, targeted option that minimizes systemic exposure. The research will move from preclinical models toward formulation improvements and potential early human studies focusing on mucosal delivery in the oral cavity. If successful, the therapy could reduce infection risk and improve oral and systemic health in people with autoimmune conditions or who are at higher risk due to antibiotic use or immunosuppression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have a new, locally acting option to prevent and manage oral infections with fewer side effects than broad-spectrum antifungals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show promising reductions in fungal burden and biofilm with probiotic hydrogels in preclinical models, supporting continued development.
Where this research is happening
-
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mylonakis, Eleftherios — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Mylonakis, Eleftherios
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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.