What's Happening?
Lactiga US, Inc., a biotechnology company based in North Brunswick, New Jersey, has received funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance its development of a novel mucosal antibody for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The antibody, known as secretory IgA (sIgA), is derived from human breastmilk and aims to address immune dysregulation and inflammation in the gut. The therapy is designed to act at the intestinal mucosa, potentially neutralizing luminal antigens and strengthening epithelial barrier function. This development is significant as current treatments for IBD, such as biologics and immunosuppressants, are costly and often have significant side effects, with less than half of patients achieving lasting remission.
Why It's Important?
The NIH award marks a significant step in the development of Lactiga's sIgA antibody, which could offer a new approach to treating IBD, a condition affecting nearly 3 million Americans. The current treatments are expensive and can lead to adverse effects, highlighting the need for more effective and safer alternatives. Lactiga's approach leverages the natural attributes of the body's immune system, potentially offering a more sustainable solution. The funding will help expand Lactiga's research portfolio and accelerate the clinical development of its sIgA assets, which could benefit immunodeficient populations and reduce healthcare costs associated with IBD.
What's Next?
Lactiga is raising a Series A financing round to further accelerate the development of its sIgA assets. The company plans to conduct research in collaboration with Tor Savidge, Ph.D., a professor at Baylor College of Medicine, to explore how sIgA neutralizes pathogens and stabilizes mucosal barrier function. These studies aim to establish a foundation for a new class of oral mucosal immunotherapies, potentially transforming the treatment landscape for IBD and other chronic conditions.
Beyond the Headlines
The development of breastmilk-derived antibodies represents a shift towards utilizing natural immune components for therapeutic purposes, moving away from synthetic or recombinant approaches. This could lead to a broader acceptance of biologically derived treatments in the medical community, potentially influencing future research and development in the field of immunotherapy.
