Technology ID
TAB-4957
Development of a Probiotic-Based Inhalational Therapeutic for Protection Against Acute Respiratory Virus Infections
E-Numbers
E-152-2015-0
Lead Inventor
Wilfret, David
Lead IC
NIAID
Co-Inventors
Rosenberg, Helene
Keicher, Jesse
ICs
NIAID
Applications
Therapeutics
Therapeutic Areas
Respiratory
Development Stages
Prototype
The technology involves the development of a probiotic-based inhalational therapeutic for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory virus infections. This innovative approach utilizes live or heat-inactivated cells of Lactobacillus plantarum, administered directly to the respiratory mucosa. This method has shown significant protection against lethal outcomes of respiratory virus infections by suppressing virus-induced proinflammatory cytokines. The technology is currently in the prototype stage, with further development aimed at creating an effective and safe therapeutic for human use.
Commercial Applications
The potential applications of our probiotic-based inhalational therapeutic extend beyond acute respiratory virus infections. The ability of Lactobacillus plantarum to modulate the immune response suggests broader implications for respiratory health. This technology could be explored for its potential in preventing and treating other respiratory conditions characterized by excessive inflammation, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and allergic rhinitis. Additionally, the concept of mucosal priming with probiotics could be applied to other mucosal surfaces in the body, opening up possibilities for novel treatments in areas such as gastrointestinal health and urogenital infections. Overall, our technology has the potential to revolutionize the field of mucosal immunology and lead to the development of innovative therapies for a range of respiratory and mucosal diseases.
Competitive Advantages
The probiotic-based inhalational therapeutic offers several competitive advantages over existing treatments for acute respiratory virus infections. Unlike traditional antiviral medications, which often target specific viruses and may be associated with viral resistance, our approach focuses on enhancing the body's natural defense mechanisms. By priming the respiratory mucosa with Lactobacillus plantarum, we induce a robust and sustained protective response that is not virus-specific, potentially offering broad-spectrum protection. Additionally, our therapy targets the inflammatory response, which is a major contributor to the severity of respiratory virus infections, thereby addressing a key aspect of the disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, the use of a probiotic-based approach may offer a favorable safety profile compared to traditional antiviral medications, making it a promising alternative for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory virus infections.
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