Lactiga Secures NIH Funding for Groundbreaking Antibody Therapy in IBD Treatment

In a significant stride for biotechnology, Lactiga US, Inc., a pioneering firm specializing in mucosal antibodies, has successfully garnered a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This financial support is aimed at advancing the development of their innovative secretory IgA (sIgA) antibody, intended for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

The crux of Lactiga's innovation lies in harnessing secretory IgA derived from human breastmilk. This approach targets dysregulated immune responses that contribute to inflammation, thereby positioning the therapy to benefit patients suffering from IBD. The sIgA is designed to operate at the intestinal mucosa level, with the potential to neutralize harmful antigens, enhance the integrity of epithelial barriers, and mitigate adverse effects typically associated with other treatments.

As Rik Mehta, the Co-Founder and CEO of Lactiga, aptly stated, "It's no coincidence that the dominant antibody regulating our gut immune system is the same one found in breastmilk." This underlines the company’s commitment to addressing chronic diseases through the natural capabilities of our body's immune system, a refreshing alternative to the synthetic methods commonly deployed in medical therapies.

Currently, IBD affects nearly 3 million individuals across the United States, imposing a substantial financial burden on the healthcare system, estimated in the billions. Many existing treatments, including biologics and immunosuppressants, present high costs and significant side effects, with less than half of the patients achieving lasting remission from their symptoms.

The award from the NIH fortifies Lactiga's portfolio, setting the stage for establishing a pioneering platform of polyclonal antibodies focused on mucosal immunity. To expedite the clinical development of its sIgA assets for immunodeficient groups, Lactiga is also embarking on a Series A financing round.

Viraj Mane, Lactiga’s Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer, emphasized the critical role breastmilk-derived secretory IgA plays in immunity, allowing for the direct regulation of host-microbe interactions. The company's forthcoming research will delve into how sIgA neutralizes pathogens, stabilizes mucosal barriers, and supports the gut microbiome. These studies are foundational to introducing a new category of oral mucosal immunotherapies.

The research endeavor will be conducted in partnership with Dr. Tor Savidge, a Professor of Pathology and Immunology at Baylor College of Medicine and a distinguished expert in gut microbiome and immune system interactions.

In summary, Lactiga is poised to revolutionize the treatment landscape for IBD through its novel approach based on human breastmilk. By leveraging our body's natural immune system via secretory IgA, this initiative not only aims to ease the burden faced by millions affected by IBD but also represents a shift towards more organic forms of healthcare solutions. This development signals hope for many who struggle with chronic conditions and could pave the way for future advancements in therapeutic strategies.

Lactiga, thus, exemplifies the intersection of innovative biotechnology and compassionate healthcare, aligning scientific progress with the needs of patients.