2018-073 – BioTransplantation Using Microbiota Supplements (BioTUMS)

Background Clostridium difficileinfection (CDI) is a bacterial infection of the large intestine that results from high doses of antibiotics which create an imbalance in beneficial microflora in the gut. CDI can present a number of symptoms. In some cases, these symptoms can lead to chronic flare ups, leading to persistent use of antibiotics, repeated hospitalizations, and even death. Currently, chronic CDI is treated by way of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) or in other words, a stool transplant. This type of treatment can be costly and involves the delivery of “healthy” feces through a patient’s nose, past his/her throat, and down into the stomach (nasogastric intubation). While FMT is an effective way to treat recurrent CDI, the concept is far from appealing and can result in a “disgust factor” in patients and reservations toward undergoing treatment. Additionally, there is lack of FDA approval and social stigmas surrounding this method of treatment. As a result, there exists a market need for an alternative delivery method of healthy microbiota that is as effective as FMT, but more appealing to the public and to the patient. Technology Description Researchers at the University of New Mexico have developed an alternative delivery method of healthy fecal microbiota for the treatment of CDI called: bio transplantation using microbiota supplements (BioTUMS). This treatment method consists of taking a capsule or series of capsules to deliver beneficial microbiota to repopulate in the proper regions of the gut, rather than channeling fecal material through the patient’s nasal passage. BioTUMS presents a degree of control that FMT lacks. Through augmentation of the surface of the capsule, BioTUMS can target specific regions of the intestinal tract, allowing for more precise delivery of the microbial payload. This method of treatment is promising as both an effective and more appealing method for treating CDI. Gregg Banninger GBanninger@innovations.unm.edu 505-272-7908