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Dr. Sabine Hazan's Groundbreaking Research Award at ACG Conference

In a significant stride towards understanding autism and its connection to the gut microbiome, Dr. Sabine Hazan, a prominent gastroenterologist and physician-scientist at ProgenaBiome, has been awarded the Outstanding Presentation Award at this year's American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) Conference. Her research, which highlights the impressive recovery of communication skills in two non-verbal identical twins diagnosed with severe autism spectrum disorder, is a remarkable example of innovative thinking in medical research.

Dr. Hazan's presentation focused on her study, titled A Potential Microbiome Signature Showcasing Improvement of Autism in Two Identical Twins. The research was distinguished by the judges as a noteworthy demonstration of proof of concept, shedding light on the significant role of the gut microbiome in influencing behavioral outcomes in individuals with autism.

Study Overview

The study involved two identical twins, both of whom were non-verbal at the outset. Over a nine-month period, the twins underwent a microbiome-targeted intervention aimed at restoring their gut health, specifically focusing on increasing the levels of Bifidobacteria, which are beneficial to gut microbiome composition.

Methodology

A thorough analysis was conducted through fecal sample collection at the start of the study, at the one-month mark, and again at the nine-month completion point. The DNA from these samples was extracted, quantified, and sequenced using advanced assays developed by ProgenaBiome to identify microbial composition and estimate relative abundance. The results were revealing.

Key Findings

At the beginning of the study, both twins presented alarmingly low levels of beneficial Bifidobacteria (<0.05) and heightened amounts of potentially harmful bacterial phyla. The findings at various stages were as follows:

• - Month 1: A modest increase in the abundance of Bifidobacteria was seen.
• - Month 9: Remarkably, by the end of the nine months, both twins experienced a total restoration of gut microbiota balance and regained their ability to communicate verbally.

Notably, this award follows Dr. Hazan's recognition three years earlier for her studies that illustrated the impact of mRNA vaccines on Bifidobacteria levels, leading to a connection between diminished Bifidobacteria in individuals with autism and subsequent developmental challenges.

The Broader Implications

Dr. Hazan passionately asserts, "The microbiome tells the story. We are now seeing compelling evidence that correcting gut dysbiosis can impact not only gastrointestinal health but also core behavioral outcomes in autism." This reinforces the notion that understanding and treating gut health can potentially lead to meaningful improvements in the quality of life for autistic individuals and their families.

Dr. Hazan expressed gratitude towards her team at ProgenaBiome, recognizing their crucial role in this groundbreaking work: "Thank you to my team at ProgenaBiome Labs. This award is a testament to their dedication and expertise."

This achievement paves the way for further exploration into microbiome-focused therapies as valuable tools in tackling both digestive and neurological issues associated with autism. Dr. Hazan is actively encouraging community support for the Microbiome Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization that aims to develop microbiome-based interventions. The foundation is currently seeking funding to support an Investigational New Drug (IND) application focusing on familial fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) therapies, an innovative precision medicine approach.

For those interested in contributing to this vital research and learning more about ProgenaBiome's mission, visit progenabiome.com and follow Dr. Hazan on social media for updates. Her work exemplifies the pioneering spirit needed to potentially transform autism treatment and improve outcomes for countless families.

Conclusion

Dr. Sabine Hazan's award-winning research underscores the promising intersection of microbiome health and autism, offering a glimmer of hope through innovative scientific exploration. The continuing journey into understanding the gut-brain connection might just open new doors for countless affected families, fostering a brighter future.