Using live bacteria to treat homocystinuria
Live microbial therapeutics: an enhanced treatment paradigm for classical homocystinuria
This study is testing a new treatment using specially designed bacteria to help people with homocystinuria lower their harmful homocysteine levels, making it easier and more comfortable for them to manage their condition without strict diets or side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Petri Bio LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10921820 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a synthetic live bacterial therapy for homocystinuria (HCU), a rare metabolic disorder that causes harmful levels of homocysteine in the body. The approach aims to utilize specific bacteria that can break down methionine in the gut, thereby reducing homocysteine levels in patients. Current treatments often involve strict dietary restrictions and supplements, which can be difficult for patients to adhere to and may cause unpleasant side effects. By using engineered bacteria, this therapy seeks to provide a more effective and tolerable treatment option for individuals with HCU.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pyridoxine non-responsive homocystinuria, particularly those struggling with current treatment regimens.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of homocystinuria that respond to pyridoxine or those without a diagnosis of homocystinuria may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a more effective and manageable treatment for patients with homocystinuria, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of live microbial therapeutics is a growing field, this specific approach for treating homocystinuria is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Petri Bio LLC — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schinaman, Joseph Moeller — Petri Bio LLC
- Study coordinator: Schinaman, Joseph Moeller
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 below.