Revolutionize Non-Invasive Microbiome Monitoring with Abbott
Development of a non-invasive tool/device for monitoring the health status of the gut microbiome
The human microbiome is a rich ecosystem that is in constant bi-directional communication with the host and plays an essential role in physiological functions such as preventing infections from pathogens, contributing to immune system maturation and regulation of the immune response, as well as nutrient absorption and metabolism. Many of these functions are mediated by direct communication between the microbiota or by indirect communication through metabolic intermediates produced by the gut microbiota. Changes in either the relative abundance of gut microbiota species or the metabolic intermediates produced by these species can contribute to dysbiosis of the gut. This dysbiotic state of the gut microbiota can cause a dysfunction of the mucosal barrier, altered immune responses, a localised inflammatory state and gut permeability, leading to chronic illness or metabolic dysfunction such as inflammatory bowel disease, allergy or obesity, T2D, non-alcoholic liver disease, cardio-metabolic diseases and malnutrition.
Diet composition can have detrimental (Westernized high fat diet) or beneficial (prebiotics, probiotics) effects on the microbiome by very rapidly changing the relative abundance of specific gut species. Modulating the relative abundance of different species in the gut will also cause changes in the microbial metabolic intermediates present in the gut. These metabolites have been used as markers for healthy or disrupted status of the microbiota. In this way, the status of the gut microbiota is very much a reflection of our diet at any given time.
Currently there is a lack self-identification easy-to-use tools/devices for consumers or health care practitioners to get insights about the health status of an individual microbiome. Identification of real-time changes can provide an opportunity for early intervention. There is a need for an innovative, accurate and easy method to measure the status of the microbiome at any given time.
Gut microbiota composition can be quantified using next generation sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA genes or whole genome shotgun sequencing. The most commonly used sample to evaluate microbiome composition is a fecal sample analysis, which can provide information about the types and abundance of microorganisms present in the gut. They are naturally collected and non-invasive but can be inconvenient for individuals to provide. Other sampling methods (biopsies, luminal brush, surgery) are invasive and not suitable for real-time monitoring of individuals not in a medical setting.
Recent advances in technology have led to the development of other non-invasive methods for analyzing the microbiome, such as breath and urine analysis by monitoring the changes in metabolic intermediates linked to the gut microbiota. These indirect markers may be more suitable for convenient monitoring of individuals in an at home setting.
At home consumers (both adult and children), health care professionals (doctors, nurses, dietitians) in a medical office setting.
Challenge owner
Abbott
Disease area
Gut health / gut dysbiosis
Registration deadline
23 April 2023
Status
Closed
What we are looking for:
- Non-invasive tools that can measure metabolites in biological samples such as (but not limited to) urine, breath or saliva linked to fecal microbiota.
- Testing to be done by the consumer at home, or at the doctor’s office, to help individuals identify their microbiota health status or monitor nutritional interventions and their effect on the microbiota of an individual.
- Tool should be easy to use, rapid and able to determine if microbiota is healthy based on known markers linked to the microbiome such as metabolic intermediates.
- Preference for an instant read-out tool. Tools that require sample at the core lab are not preferred but could be considered if other options are not available. Nice to have would be tests that are already validated.
- Tool/device should ideally be linked to an app, that can provide insights for the consumer and can be tied to recommendations for health status management.
- Global markets will be considered.
- Tool that can measure different metabolites preferred.
- Examples of key metabolites: Metabolites that can be an indicator of microbiota health, metabolic disorders or dietary habits such as but not limited to: SCFAs (butyrate, propionate and acetate), indole, branched chain amino acids, bile acids, TMAO, butyric acids, acetic, valeric and propionic acid, methane, H2, H2S, calprotectin and others.
FAQ
Who can apply?
Incorporated companies with a product or technology that addresses the challenges released. At least, a prototype of the solution should exist. There are no further specific requirements in terms of Technology Readiness Level (TLR), sales, minimum investment attracted, or country of registration.
European and non-European SMEs are invited to apply.
How can I apply to this challenge?
Click on „Apply now“ and follow the instructions to submit an application. You will answer different questions about your company and the product you present as a possible solution to the challenge.
How are applications evaluated?
The main selection criteria is product-challenge fit. Applications are sent to the relevant teams in each challenge-owner, who decide which companies are selected. To increase the chances of a successful application, make sure you carefully read the information we have published about each challenge and show in your application how your product could be a perfect match. The questions in the application will guide you!
Can I apply to more than one challenge?
Yes, of course! However, you will need to submit one individual application per challenge and customize it according to the challenge.
I have a solution for a challenge, but it still requires some changes or development. Can I still apply?
Yes, the main requirement is that your solution addresses the challenge. In case you are selected, during the meetings with the challenge owners, you can clarify the needs of both parties and decide on possible changes/modifications/extra features, etc.
We encourage you to apply even if your solution only fulfills some of the requirements of the „ideal solution“ described above. Both off-the-shelf and customizable options are relevant!
Where does Start-ups Meet Pharma take place?
Mostly online, with the possibility to organize meetings in person in the Meet&Visit module.
What is the cost for my company?
None, it is completely free of charge. No fee, no equity taken. You only need to bring professionalism and commitment to make the best out of this opportunity.
Is a collaboration 100% secured for the SMEs selected?
Neither party is obliged to enter into a partnership. We will create the optimal environment for a collaboration to start, but whether this happens, and the conditions of the collaboration, will be exclusively decided by the parties involved.
However, we guarantee 100% of the selected companies will be connected to the relevant teams within the challenge-owner, will have 1-on-1 partnership exploration meetings, and will receive support to prepare for that occasion in the best possible way.
My product or solution is not a fit for any of the challenges… what can I do?
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