Stabilizing therapeutic microbes to deliver in liquid nutrition for the gut
Official title: Stabilization of therapeutic microbes for inclusion in a liquid matrix for delivery to the intestines
Funded at Vitakey, INC. · NIH-11403958 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small grant is funding work to make beneficial microbes stable enough to be mixed into liquid feeding formulas for patients who cannot eat on their own.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vitakey, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $607,851 |
| NIH project number | 5R44GM146506-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11403958 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who require enteral feeding and are exposed to antibiotics may benefit from stabilized probiotic delivery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not using enteral feeding or not on antibiotics may not benefit from this specific probiotic delivery approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to overcome the challenge of delivering probiotic bacteria through enteral feeding liquids by stabilizing microbes in a liquid matrix. Researchers will explore formulations that keep probiotics alive and effective when added to enteral formulas. The work focuses on improving intestinal health and nutrient absorption for patients who rely on tube feeding and are at risk for antibiotic-associated issues. If successful, the approach could reduce antibiotic-related gut problems and enhance quality of life for these patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the stabilized probiotic delivery could reduce diarrhea and improve gut health for patients receiving enteral nutrition.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows probiotics can help with gut health, but stability in liquid feedings has been inconsistent; this project seeks a robust solution.
Where this research is happening
-
Vitakey, INC.
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anselmo, Aaron C — Vitakey, INC.
- Study coordinator: Anselmo, Aaron C
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.