Using beneficial bacteria to prevent and treat a serious intestinal disease in preterm infants

A Synergistic Multistrain Live Biotherapeutic Product for the Prevention and Treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

NIH-funded research Siolta Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-10761298

This study is testing a special blend of good bacteria to help prevent and treat a serious gut problem called Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in premature babies, aiming to keep their tummies healthy after they’ve needed antibiotics.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSiolta Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Carlos, United States)
Project IDNIH-10761298 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a multistrain Live Biotherapeutic Product (LBP) designed to prevent and treat Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a severe intestinal condition affecting preterm infants. The approach involves using protective bacteria to restore the gut microbiota after antibiotic treatment, which is often necessary but can disrupt beneficial bacteria. By creating a product that meets FDA standards for safety and efficacy, the researchers aim to reduce the risk of infections and improve health outcomes for vulnerable infants. The study will assess the effectiveness of this innovative treatment in reducing the burden of harmful bacteria in the intestines.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants, particularly those with very low birth weight who are at high risk for developing NEC.

Not a fit: Patients who are not preterm or do not have a risk of developing Necrotizing Enterocolitis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the incidence and mortality rates of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in preterm infants.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using beneficial bacteria to improve gut health, suggesting that this approach could be effective for NEC, although this specific multistrain product is novel.

Where this research is happening

San Carlos, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.