PRO-MOM · Postbiotic Restoration Of the Metabolome Of Moms

Microbial dysbiosis can lead to behavioral changes including aggressive behavior. Mice treated with antibiotics exhibit increased aggression, as do offspring of mothers given antibiotics only during pregnancy or alternatively only when nursing. Promising results from our lab in flies and mice support our hypothesis that such behaviors are partially affected by gut bacteria and associated metabolic compounds. Pregnancy is associated with reduced immune function and women receive antibiotics during this period for a myriad of reasons. Preclinical trials and clinical research suggest strong effects of these treatments on offspring. A postbiotic to be taken daily, in a manner similar to prenatal vitamins, following antibiotic use during pregnancy and breastfeeding can restore microbiota form and function, towards alleviating changes in offspring behavior. Throughout our ERC-funded research, BEHAVIOME, our approach to exploring the innovation potential of our research is a stepwise process. A direct result of this process was the identification of the ERC Proof of Concept as a viable route to defining the early commercialisation steps, and obtaining internal support to develop and implement the project. Within PRO-MOM, we aim to complete two critical objectives: significant progress on technology development (POC demonstration, in vivo pilot data), and achieving business readiness (market research, business plan, end-user engagement). The outcome of the ERC POC will enable us to take the last step pre-commercialisation, developing market readiness. For commercialization, our plan is to set up a spin-off company that will develop several postbiotic leads, either through funding raised through venture capital, or co-development with other larger companies in the field. With PRO-MOM we will develop a post-antibiotic supplement that promotes maternal-neonatal microbiota restructuring and reduces behavioral disturbances in the critical first 1000 days of life.