Category Archives: Transhuman News

The human microbiome refers to the organisms (bacteria, fungi and viruses) that reside in and on a persons body. For the purposes of this article, the use of the term microbiome will be limited to those bacteria.

The Human Genome Project, which cost an estimated US$3 billion, was a 13-year (1990-2003) project that resulted in the first successful sequencing of the human genome. Scientists had hoped that sequencing the human genome would lead to cures for many of todays chronic degenerative diseases. That goal failed, and sequencing the human genome never led to successful treatments for any diseases.

However, one great benefit that emerged from the project was the development of incredible technology which allows scientists to sequence genomes at a fast, affordable pace. For example, in January 2017, Illumina, a global producer of next-generation sequencing technology, announced its new NovaSeq could sequence a genome in one day for only $100.

The incredible power and speed of the new gene sequencing technology were partly responsible for the governments funding of the Human Microbiome Project (2007-2012). That endeavor resulted in the publication of over 350 studies, which are viewed as the birth of the modern era of microbiome science.

There was a tremendous amount of knowledge gained from the Microbiome Project and subsequent research on the human microbiome, explained Nena Dockery, scientific and regulatory manager at Stratum Nutrition. Families of microbes (mostly bacteria) were identified, and their relative numbers began to be associated with various health benefits and disease susceptibility. Some of the bacterial species that were shown to be particularly beneficial were isolated from human or food sources and commercially grown as a supplemental source of these beneficial speciesand the probiotics industry took off. Along the way, it was discovered how important specific strains of bacteria were, which narrowed commercialization down to bacterial strains that could be patented for their benefits.

She continued, Prebiotics then began to become recognized as food sources both for the supplemented probiotics and to encourage growth of the bodys own beneficial species. If combined in a product with specific bacteria shown to thrive with certain prebiotics, the term synbiotic was used.

Dockery took particular interest in the developing science. As part of the research on the bodys native bacteria, it was found that certain bacteria produce byproducts of their metabolism that have substantial benefits to their human host, she stated. For example, some produce digestive enzymes, like lactase. Lactase breaks down milk sugar (lactose) and its absence in the body leads to lactose intolerance. Other bacteriaespecially those in the colonproduce short-chain fatty acids [SCFAs], such as butyrate, that are very protective against the development of colon cancer. Of course, this type of research was a big Ah ha moment for scientists because the microbes (again, mostly bacteria) could produce these byproducts in the broth used to ferment them for commercial production into probiotics; and that resulted in a further study that led to the introduction of postbiotics.

Most probiotics currently on the market are designed to work in the gut. The intestinal tract, particularly the lower intestine, is the home to trillions of microorganisms that provide a variety of benefits, mostly related to digestion and immune functioning. However, medications, especially antibiotics, along with certain disease conditions, diet, genetics and lifestyle choices, all play a role in the composition of an individuals microbiome. Probiotics are designed to support healthy functioning of the bodys own microbiome and fill in the gaps where deficiencies have developed.

It is now known that the immune benefits of the bodys protective microbiome dont begin in the gut, but in the oral cavity, where pathogenic microbes most often enter the body.1 The oral cavity is home to as many different species of bacteria as the gut; and these bacteria can form an extremely strong barrier against invaders, influencing the health, not only of the teeth and gums, but extending into the throat and ear canals, and indirectly, throughout the entire body.

Dockery suggested, To a certain extent, these good bacteria function through competitive inhibition, but more importantly, some strains of bacteria like the beneficial oral cavity species, Streptococcus salivarius, can produce compounds called bacteriocin-like-inhibitory-substances (BLIS). These compounds are highly inhibitory to specific pathogenic bacteria. Probiotics derived from indigenous strains of these beneficial bacteria may help provide a front-line protection against unfavorable strains entering the body through the mouth and nose. Some of these strains, such as S. salivarius K12 have been extensively researched for safety and their ability to colonize in the human oral cavity.2-8

Another indigenous strain of S. salivarius is M18, which has several unique characteristics that make it a beneficial component of the oral microbiome. S. salivarius M18 produces BLIS compounds that inhibit several species of common bacterial species that contribute to tooth decay and gingivitis. It also secretes two enzymes that make the oral cavity less favorable to deleterious species. Urease is an enzyme produced by M18 that helps raise the pH of the oral cavity environment, making it less conducive to acidogenic bacterial strains that weaken tooth enamel. M18 also produces a dextranase that helps break down dextran, a carbohydrate that is an integral component of dental plaque. BLIS M18 is a probiotic sourced from S. salivarius M18 that has been shown in several studies to help promote healthy teeth and gums.9-12

Present in fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, prebiotics are a type of fiber the human body cannot digest. Dockery noted the benefits of dietary fiber are well-known, impacting such diverse areas as cardiovascular health, digestive health and weight.13 Most dietary fiber sources are complex polysaccharides. However, this has expanded to include oligosaccharides, which are composed of fewer monosaccharides (simple sugars). Oligosaccharides now make up most commercially marketed prebiotic fiber.

Prebiotics persist intact through the digestive tract to the colon where they are fermented by bacteria and other microorganisms. Consumption of prebiotic foods or supplements can help ensure an optimal food source for colonic bacteria and production of the beneficial compounds (such as the SCFAs) resulting from the fermentation process.

Though prebiotics can fairly easily be obtained through the ingestion of certain foods (such as oats that contain beta-glucan, and apples, which contain pectin), many of the best sources for prebiotic fiber are foods such as konjac root and seaweed, which are not regular parts of the Western diet. As such, prebiotic supplements are gaining in popularity.

Currently, there is no consistency in what is sold as a postbiotic, Dockery maintained.Some companies market products identified as postbiotics that are a blend of the beneficial byproducts of microbial metabolism found in the supernatant or even single byproducts such as butyrate. However, the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) recently set the definition as 'A preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host.' This definition includes the presence of killed microbial cells and cell fragments (usually from heat treatment) but notably omits the requirement of the supernatant, though it could be included in a postbiotic product.

She acknowledged postbiotics appear to be the latest trend in the -biotics industry and do have some distinct manufacturing and marketing advantages over probiotics. Most notably: since they are not live microbes, shelf stability and survival through the gut can be much more predictable.

Alexis Collins, product manager at Stratum Nutrition, said, It is a relief to have an esteemed scientific body such as ISAPP provide us with a comprehensive definition of postbiotics. This will not only provide much-needed clarity for our customers, but will also be the kickoff for postbiotic education for the end consumer.

Stratum offers LBiome, a human strain-derived,heat-treatedpostbiotic (LactobacillusLB), the latter of which has been researched in postbiotic form for over a century, with 12 published clinical studies showing digestive health support for both adult and pediatric populations.14-21Collins noted LBiome provides the digestive benefits of a probiotic and the formulation flexibility of a spore, with none of the stability or manufacturing concerns.

LBiome cells adhere to the gut lining, forming an enhanced environment for the gut microbiome, all while simultaneously strengthening the gut lining by supporting a healthy brush border and tight junctions.22 In addition, recent published research has shown the ingredient to be bifidogenic, increasing populations of several species of beneficial Bifidobacterium in both an in vitro cell culture and in an ex vivo human fecal fermentation system.

According to the MarketsandMarkets report,"Human Microbiome Marketby Product (Prebiotics, Probiotics, Food, Diagnostic Tests, Drugs), Application (Therapeutic, Diagnostic), Disease (Infectious, Metabolic/Endocrine), Research Technology (Genomics, Proteomics, Metabolomics) - Global Forecast to 2028," the global human microbiome marketis projected to reachUS$1.6 millionby 2028. This is up from$894 millionin 2025, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.3% through the time period.

Dockery concluded, Few other segments within the dietary supplement and functional foods industries have expanded and diversified to the extent that the -biotics segment has. This has presented tremendous opportunities for continued growth, and at the same time has resulted in the expected challenges such as where and when NDINs [new dietary ingredient notifications] might be required, to the splitting of the Lactobacillus genus. At the same time, this expansion provides exciting opportunities for the introduction of new ingredients that will safely and effectively provide tremendous benefits that can potentially be customized to meet specific needs in the end consumer.

The research on prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics continues to expand as more information is uncovered about the positive role the human microbiome plays in supporting and maintaining human health.

Jacqueline Rizo is a content writer who specializes in B2B articles and white papers for the natural products industry on behalf ofStratum Nutrition.

References

1 Burton JP et al. Beneficial microbes for the oral cavity: time to harness the oral streptococci? Benef Microbes. 2011;2(2):93-101.

2 Di Pierro F et al. Preliminary pediatric clinical evaluation of the oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 in preventing recurrent pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes and recurrent acute otitis media.Int J Gen Med. 2012;5:991-997.

3 Di Pierro F et al. Clinical evaluation of the oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 in the prevention of recurrent pharyngitis and/or tonsillitis caused by Streptococcus pyogenes in adults. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2013;13(3):339-343.

4 Di Pierro F et al. Use of Streptococcus salivarius K12 in the prevention of streptococcal and viral pharyngotonsillitis in children. Drug Healthc Patient Saf. 2014;6:15-20.

5 Di Pierro F et al. Oral use of Streptococcus salivarius K12 in children with secretory otitis media: preliminary results of a pilot, uncontrolled study. Int J Gen Med. 2015;8:303-308.

6 Di Pierro F et al. Effect of administration of Streptococcus salivarius K12 on the occurrence of streptococcal pharyngo-tonsillitis, scarlet fever and acute otitis media in 3 years old children. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2016;20(21):4601-4606.

8 Marini G et al. Pilot study to explore the prophylactic efficacy of oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius K12 in preventing recurrent pharyngo-tonsillar episodes in pediatric patients. Int J Gen Med. 2019;12:213-217.

9 Di Pierro F et al. Cariogram outcome after 90 days of oral treatment with Streptococcus salivarius M18 in children at high risk for dental caries: results of a randomized, controlled study.Clin Cosmet Investig Dent. 2015;7:107-113.

10 Bardellini E et al. Does Streptococcus Salivarius Strain M18 Assumption Make Black Stains Disappear in Children? Oral Health Prev Dent. 2020;18(1):161-164.

11 Scariya L et al. Probiotics in Periodontal Therapy. Int J Pharma Bio Sci. 2015;6(1):242-250.

12 Burton JP et al. Influence of the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius strain M18 on indices of dental health in children: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Med Microbiol. 2013;62(Pt 6):875-884.

13 Slavin J. Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits. Nutrients. 2013;5(4):1417-1435.

14 Boehm G et al. Prebiotics and immune responses. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2004;39:pS376.

15 Simakachorn N et al. Clinical evaluation of the addition of lyophilized, heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus LB to oral rehydration therapy in the treatment of acute diarrhea in children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2000;30:68-72.

16 Salazar-Lindo E et al. Effectiveness and safety of Lactobacillus LB in the treatment of mild acute diarrhea in children. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2007;44(5):571-576.

17 Lievin-Le Moal V et al. An experimental study and a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the antisecretory activity of Lactobacillus acidophilus strain LB against nonrotavirus diarrhea. Pediatrics. 2007;120(4):795-803.

18 Bodilis JY. Controlled clinical trial of Lacteol Fort compared with a placebo and reference drug in the treatment of acute diarrhea in the adult. Medecine Actuelle. 1983;10:232-235.

19 Xiao SDet al.Multicenter, randomized, controlled trial of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilusLB in patients with chronic diarrhea.Adv Therapy. 2003;20:253-260.

20 Kor JY et al. Lacteol Fort Treatment Reduces Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea. Singapore Fam Physician. 2010;36(4):46-49.

21 Canducci F et al. A lyophilized and inactivated culture of Lactobacillus acidophilus increases Helicobacter pylori eradication rates. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2000;14(12):1625-1629.

22 Warda A et al. A postbiotic consisting of heat-treated Lactobacilli has a bifidogenic effect in pure culture and in human fermented fecal communities. App Environ Microbiol. 2021;87(8):e02459-20.

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The science of probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics - Natural Products INSIDER

Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) today announced that it has been selected as one of the Worlds Best Workplaces for 2021 by Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work . Amgen ranked eighth among the 25 companies named to the list. Those on the list were selected from 10,000 companies, representing the voices of nearly 20 million employees in more than 100 countries.

We are very proud of this honor, said Robert A. Bradway , Amgens chairman and chief executive officer. To be recognized on a global scale demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing staff with an environment in which they are able to grow and thrive even during challenging times.

The Worlds Best Workplaces are the most sweeping and consistent examples of inclusive company cultures weve ever known, said Michael C. Bush , chief executive officer of Great Place to Work. In a global workforce, alignment is everything, and these companies are fortifying their culture around the world a nearly impossible feat. Even when tested by the pandemic, these companies recognize sub-communities in each region and their leaders carry an equitable employee experience across cultures.

Earlier this year, Amgen was ranked by Great Place to Work as the seventh best workplace in Europe . Additionally, 25 Amgen affiliates around the world have either been certified or recognized by Great Place to Work nationally. The Fortune Worlds Best Workplaces list is available at https://www.greatplacetowork.com/best-workplaces-international/world-s-best-workplaces/2021 .

About Amgen Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.

Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve peoples lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to beone ofthe worldsleadingindependent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.

For more information, visit http://www.amgen.com and follow us on http://www.twitter.com/amgen .

CONTACT: Amgen, Thousand Oaks Megan Fox , 805-447-1423 (media) Trish Rowland , 805-447-5631(media) Arvind Sood , 805-447-1060 (investors)

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Fortune and Great Place to Work Name Amgen One o... | INN - Investing News Network

By Dave Larsen

The National Institutes of Health awarded two University of Dayton geneticists a five-year, $1.65 million grant to study how genes regulate three-dimensional patterning and growth during early eye development to understand the genetic basis of childhood retinal diseases and birth defects in the human eye.

Department of Biology professors Amit Singh and Madhuri Kango-Singh are co-principal investigators on the grant, which started Aug. 1 and continues through June 2026. They will use the fruit fly eye model to study the genetic machinery involved in regulating how an eye is formed at the cellular level.

Singhs previous eye development research, funded under a $485,000 National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant awarded in 2017, focused on how genes regulate the process of transforming a single layer of cells into a three-dimensional organ.

That research will expand under the new grant with the addition of Kango-Singh, whose research focus is cancer biology, as co-principal investigator. She will focus on a genetic signaling pathway that regulates growth during eye development.

Not only do you need to make the structure, but it needs to grow to the right size and in the right way, so that you make what would be normal eyes on the heads of flies, said Kango-Singh, who was a co-investigator on the 2017 grant. The same genes function in the development of eyes in other animals and humans, so it could also be interesting to learn about how that process pans out and whether it is involved in birth defects.

Scientists use fruit flies to model human diseases at the cellular and molecular levels because they have similar genetic traits to those of humans. The flys entire life cycle is just 12 days, which allows researchers to study the transmission of hereditary traits and investigate the genetics of disease across at least 24 generations in a year.

Kango-Singh will spearhead the effort to understand how growth pathways regulate this basic process of forming an eye, while Singh will remain focused on the core genetic machinery of eye development.

Their goal is to gain better insights into eye formation, including birth defects associated with a particular transcription factor a protein involved in the controlling expression of other genes.

What we have proposed here is that this transcription factor is required for the placement of the eye on the head of an organism, Singh said. In laymans language, eyes are not the same for all organisms on the head they are placed far apart or close together. We have hypothesized that this transcription factor might be involved in that. It also regulates growth. So, thats the reason we have brought growth and patterning together, and this can be a new component in the eye development machinery.

Despite their separate research interests, the couple has collaborated on a number of projects and publications for more than 27 years. In May 2020, they published the second edition of their well-received book about the fruit fly, Molecular Genetics of Axial Patterning, Growth and Disease in Drosophila Eye.

Under the new NIH grant, Singh and Kango-Singh will each hire a postdoctoral researcher and two graduate assistants to work in their respective labs. In addition, Singh recruited six new undergraduate students for the project. Kango-Singh has six undergraduates working in her lab and hopes to hire three or four more to work on the project.

One of the pillars of UDs vision is experiential learning for undergraduate students, Singh said. We actively involve these students in our research. They are primary authors on peer-reviewed publications. They present at local, regional and international meetings.

He said exposing undergraduate students to cutting-edge research and instrumentation such as the Olympus confocal laser scanning microscope and Zeiss Apotome fluorescence microscope produces well-rounded scientists who are well-prepared for the job market or graduate school.

Kango-Singh, director of the Universitys biology graduate program, credits their NIH grant to the participation of graduate students in their research.

Having a vibrant graduate program at UD in biology is crucial for the success of all faculty with grants, she said. It is the lifeline for success with funding and publications the two things crucial for growing the reputation of the graduate program and the University.

Singh said 70% of their success with the NIH grant is due to the hard work of graduate students. These people are really working 24/7 to make these things happen, he said.

For more information, visit the Department of Biology website.

Continued here:
National Institutes of Health awards $1.65 million to University of Dayton researchers to study genetic basis of childhood diseases and birth defects...

This week 23andMe made Fast Company's first annual list of "Brands that Matter," an award honoring companies and nonprofits with a mission or ideals that have had a cultural impact and are relevant and authentic.

This new award singles out 95 organizations that, like 23andMe, have inspired people and given them compelling reasons to care about innovation, or social issues, cultural issues, the environment, or their fellow humans. Among those on the list are not just massive multinational conglomerates, but also small companies and nonprofits. All of them have forged an emotional or meaningful connection with people. All were judged on their relevancy, cultural impact, ingenuity, and business innovation.

"Fast Companyis excited to highlight companies and organizations that have built brands with deep meaning and connections to the customers they serve," said Stephanie Mehta, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. "At a time when consumers are holding companies to very high standards, businesses have much to learn from these brands that have garnered respect and trust."

Lead with Science

It's that trust that is probably most important to 23andMe's brand, said Tracy Keim, Vice President of Consumer Marketing and Brand at 23andMe.

"It started with Anne Wojcicki, (23andMe's CEO and Co-Founder)," Tracy said. "She co-founded 23andMe to help people - to be a brand that made a difference in people's lives - we were a brand born out of purpose, not profit."

23andMe is also a brand driven by science. And Fast Company pointed to two of our more recent very large scientific initiatives in singling out 23andMe for this award.

The first was a study using genetics to look at the human impact of the transatlantic slave trade, as part of the largest study to date of people with African ancestry in the Americas. The second is an ongoing study on the genetics associated with differences among people in susceptibility to and severity from COVID-19that involved more than a million research participants. Several findings from that study have already been published or shared, and our researchers are currently investigating the genetics of COVID-19 "long-haulers."

"It's exciting to see this list of brands making a difference," said Tracy. "We're all interested in solutions through action, not just advertising. One of 23andMe's core values is to 'lead with science.' DNA data can tell us so much about problems we confront today and in the future - whether it's studying COVID-19 or our fraught racial history, or important health issues - our team of researchers have big hearts and open minds and go where the science leads them."

Mission Driven

It's been almost two decades since the mapping of the human genome, the most significant scientific breakthrough of our generation. 23andMe works to bring the power of genetic science to everyone. As a brand, 23andMe has always been mission-driven, focused on helping people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. We created an industry offering people direct access to their genetic information, as well as an opportunity to participate in research if they choose. We share our research findings and ensure that those who participate in research know we've done it through solid science and innovation, but also with whimsy and a human touch.

You can find a complete list of winnershere.

23andMe will be featured along with the other honorees in theNovember issue of Fast Companymagazine, which is available onlinenowand will be on newsstands beginning November 2, 2021.

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23andMe Honored in Fast Company's First Annual List of Brands That Matter - Marketscreener.com

Dr. Luca Benatti to Chair SAB

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 26, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gain Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: GANX) (Gain, or the company), a biotechnology company focused on identifying and optimizing allosteric binding sites never before targeted in neurodegenerative diseases and lysosomal storage disorders, today announced the formation of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB). Luca Benatti, Ph.D. will serve as chair of the SAB. Additional appointments include Samuel Broder, M.D.; Lorenzo Leoni, Ph.D.; Joanne Taylor, Ph.D.; and Michel Vellard, Ph.D.

I am honored to welcome Dr. Benatti, Dr. Broder, Dr. Leoni, Dr. Taylor and Dr. Vellard to our advisory board and want to express my gratitude for their scientific contributions as we continue to expand our pipeline and progress Gain Therapeutics lead program in Parkinsons Disease toward clinical studies, said Eric Richman, Chief Executive Officer of Gain. These individuals are luminaries in their respective fields and will perform significant roles in shaping our future clinical programs. And I would like to especially thank Dr. Benatti for his commitment to serve as chair of our SAB.

Luca Benatti, Ph.D., Chair of the Scientific Advisory BoardDr. Benatti will lead Gains SAB and work closely with the companys leadership team to shape the scientific strategy and advance Gains early-stage programs. He has over 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Dr. Benatti serves as the Chief Executive Officer and a Director of EryDel S.p.A., a private biotechnology company focused on rare diseases. Prior to EryDel, Dr. Benatti was Co-founder and CEO of Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A. Under his leadership, Newron developed a pipeline of innovative therapies including Xadago, approved worldwide for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. Previously, Dr. Benatti held research and development positions at Pharmacia & Upjohn and its predecessor companies. Dr. Benatti has authored several scientific publications and holds a number of patents. He currently serves as a director of Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Newron Pharmaceuticals S.p.A. and Metis Precision Medicine. Dr. Benatti also serves as chairman of Italian Angels for Biotech, a member of the Advisory Board of the Sofinnova Telethon Fund, and as a member of the Development and of the Strategic Advisory Boards of Zambon S.p.A. Dr. Benatti graduated and performed post-doctoral work at the Milano Genetics Institute.

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Samuel Broder, M.D.Dr. Broder has been at the forefront of science and medicine in many diverse arenas throughout his career. He is the former Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), appointed by President Ronald Reagan, where he oversaw the development of numerous anti-cancer therapeutic agents, as well as the first three agents approved by the FDA specifically to treat the AIDS virus. In addition, Dr. Broder oversaw the launch of several large-scale clinical trials related to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. He has held various executive positions within biopharmaceuticals companies, including EVP for Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at Celera Corporation where he helped advance the human genome project. He is the author and co-author of over 340 scientific publications and holds many patents. Dr. Broder was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 1993. He graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Stanford University.

Lorenzo Leoni, Ph.D.Dr. Leoni is a scientific serial entrepreneur and founder of six biomedical companies in the US and in Europe with an extensive network within academic, financial and industrial biotech and medtech industries. Mr. Leoni is a co-founder of Gain Therapeutics and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Industrie Biomediche Insubri SA, a board member of Artificaly SA, and a managing partner of TiVenture SA, investing in biomedical, medical devices, industrial high-tech, digital health and other high potential companies. Dr. Leoni received his Ph.D. in biochemistry from University of Lausanne and completed his post-doctoral fellowship at the University of California San Diego, where he served as Assistant Professor in the department of Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology.

Joanne Taylor, Ph.D.Dr. Taylor has over 25 years experience in the neuroscience industry. She served as vice president for Prescient Healthcare Group where she headed up their neuroscience business, advising on portfolio, clinical and regulatory strategies of a wide array of global top 25 pharmaceutical company clients. While at Eisais London Research Laboratories and European Headquarters, she directed global teams in the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies for neurological conditions, such as Alzheimers, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinsons Disease. Dr. Taylor received a Ph.D. in Developmental Neuroscience from Kings College London and completed a postdoctoral fellowship and senior research post at the ETH in Zurich.

Michel Vellard, Ph.D.Dr. Vellard currently serves as chief scientific officer for Home Biosciences. He has over 25 years of experience in translational biology, including co-founding Audacity Therapeutics, serving as vice president of research at Ultragenyx Pharmaceuticals, and head of lysosomal biology and principal scientist at BioMarin. More than 10 rare diseases treatments that Dr. Vellard has worked on have been approved by the FDA and EMA (enzyme replacement therapy for Morquio syndrome approved in 2014, etc.). Dr. Vellard holds multiple patents and has authored and co-authored many research publications. He received his Ph.D. in Virology from Pasteur and Curie Institutes and from Paris VI, VII, XI Universities. Dr. Vellard accomplished his post-doctoral fellowship at UCLA.

About Gain Therapeutics, Inc. Gain Therapeutics, Inc. is positioned at the confluence of technology and healthcare and focused on redefining drug discovery with its SEE-Tx target identification platform. By identifying and optimizing allosteric binding sites that have never before been targeted, Gain is unlocking new treatment options for difficult-to-treat disorders characterized by protein misfolding. Gain was established in 2017 with the support of its founders and institutional investors. It has been awarded funding support from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research (MJFF) and The Silverstein Foundation for Parkinsons with GBA, as well as from the Eurostars-2 joint program with co-funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 research and Innosuisse. In July 2020, Gain Therapeutics, Inc. completed a share exchange with Gain Therapeutics, SA, a Swiss corporation, whereby GT Gain Therapeutics SA became a wholly owned subsidiary of Gain Therapeutics, Inc.

For more information, please visit https://www.gaintherapeutics.com

Forward-Looking StatementsAny statements in this release that are not historical facts may be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on managements current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause results to differ materially and adversely from the statements contained herein. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the market opportunity for Gains product candidates, the business strategies and development plans of Gain, and the timing of preclinical and clinical studies. Some of the potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expected include Gains ability to: make commercially available its products and technologies in a timely manner or at all; enter into strategic alliances, including arrangements for the development and distribution of its products; obtain intellectual property protection for its assets; accurately estimate and manage its expenses and cash burn and raise additional funds when necessary. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. Except as required by law, Gain does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they are made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Investor & Media Contacts:Gain Therapeutics Investor Contact:Daniel FerryLifeSci Advisors+1 (617) 430-7576daniel@lifesciadvisors.com

Gain Therapeutics Media Contact:Joleen SchultzJoleen Schultz & Associates+1 760-271-8150joleen@joleenschultzassociates.com

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Gain Therapeutics, Inc. Announces Appointment of Five Members to its Newly Formed Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) - Yahoo Finance

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Grant funds development of living factories to produce antibodies, anti-nerve agents

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have received a grant to develop the next generation of personal protective equipment (PPE) for combat troops. Harnessing the genetics of hookworms, the research is focused on developing "living factories" that produce antibodies and anti-nerve agents to protect against chemical and biological weapons.

Combat troops require special equipment to guard against chemical and biological agents that could be unleashed in a war zone. While such suits and respirators can protect against chemical and biological weapons, they are cumbersome and can limit mobility at the worst possible times.

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis hope to improve soldiers options by developing the next generation of combat-ready personal protective equipment (PPE). Funding the work is a subcontract to the School of Medicine that is part of a $16.4 million contract awarded to U.S. research and development company Charles River Analytics from the U.S. governments Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

The goal is to develop personalized protective biosystems that would include living factories of organisms genetically engineered to produce anti-nerve agents, antibodies or other biological antidotes to a variety of chemical or biological threats. The idea is that these living factories somewhat like the commensal bacteria comprising the gut microbiome would create a symbiotic relationship with the human body, secreting protective molecules into the bloodstream that could neutralize nerve agents or block weaponized viruses.

To achieve these goals, the Washington University team will harness knowledge of the genetics of helminths more specifically, organisms commonly known as hookworms.

We will explore ways to use hookworms to generate prophylactic molecules within a subjects body to neutralize threats that soldiers may encounter in war zones or other high-risk environments, said Makedonka Mitreva, PhD, a professor of medicine and of genetics.

Mitreva

Hookworms have evolved a sophisticated system to secrete molecules that allow them live in the healthy human gut for many years without causing major health problems, she said. Research has demonstrated that controlled hookworm infections in experimental settings do not cause adverse effects in healthy people. So, we will harness these elements of controlled hookworm infection, along with our ability to genetically modify these organisms to produce antibodies or other proteins that act as protective molecules from within the human body, to develop a next-generation system to protect combat troops from chemical and biological threats.

The hookworms potentially could be engineered to secrete enzymes that break apart or block neurotoxins, such as sarin gas, for example. Similarly, the hookworms could be genetically engineered to produce antibodies against dangerous bacteria, such as anthrax, or life-threatening viruses, such as Ebola and SARS-CoV-2.

Washington University is one of several subcontractor institutions funded on this contract by DARPA to develop advanced PPE for combat troops. Charles River Analytics in Cambridge, Mass., will lead the collaborators, which also include Baylor College of Medicine in Houston; George Washington University in Washington, D.C.; James Cook University in Australia; Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands; and the University of California, Irvine.

The Food and Drug Administration already has approved certain helminths, including hookworms, for investigational use in human clinical trials. Some of these helminths live in the upper intestine, and scientists are investigating their use in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and other diseases.

Some of the molecules that hookworms secrete have anti-inflammatory properties, Mitreva said. These organisms can survive longer when the environment they live in is healthy. So, they do what they can to help maintain that healthy gut environment. Because of this, other research groups have investigated certain helminths as therapies for inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.

Mitreva also explained that hookworms cant reproduce inside the human gut, so in a controlled environment, the hookworms that make up the initial therapy can remain there for years without causing problems. Hookworms have a complex life cycle that includes free-living eggs and early larvae stages that must take place in soil. In a natural infection, people typically become infected by walking barefoot in parts of the world where hookworms are endemic. Such infections can lead to malnutrition in young children or cause health problems in those who are immunocompromised. But controlled hookworm infections with a set number of organisms given in a clinical trial setting have not been shown to cause problems in healthy adults. The infections also can be cleared from the body with widely available anti-helminthic drugs.

While Washington University researchers, including Sergej Djuranovic, PhD, an associate professor of cell biology & physiology, will focus on studying hookworms, other collaborators will work to develop other helminth species as living factories, and still others will focus on lightweight, flexible materials to produce personal protective garments that are easier to wear than current PPE for long periods of time and are more protective against chemical and biological threats.

This material is based upon work supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific, (NIWC Pacific) under Contract No. N66001-21-C-4013. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the DARPA or NIWC Pacific. Approved for public release, distribution unlimited.

Washington University School of Medicines 1,700 faculty physicians also are the medical staff of Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Childrens hospitals. The School of Medicine is a leader in medical research, teaching and patient care, consistently ranking among the top medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Through its affiliations with Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Childrens hospitals, the School of Medicine is linked to BJC HealthCare.

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Hookworms have potential to protect soldiers from chemical, biological weapons Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis - Washington...