Using beneficial bacteria to prevent and treat a serious intestinal disease in preterm infants
Official title: A Synergistic Multistrain Live Biotherapeutic Product for the Prevention and Treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Funded at Siolta Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-10761298 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Siolta Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Carlos, United States) |
| Project start | August 14, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $300,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AI179503-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10761298 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants, particularly those with very low birth weight who are at high risk for developing NEC.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not preterm or do not have a risk of developing Necrotizing Enterocolitis may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
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Siolta Therapeutics, INC.
San Carlos, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valladares, Ricardo — Siolta Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Valladares, Ricardo
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.