MHCombiotic Inc. develops plant-based antimicrobial agents that target bacterial cell membranes and enhance glutathione levels to combat infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Their technology utilizes a synergistic combination of small molecules and inorganic salts to disrupt key bacterial processes, providing a safer alternative to traditional antibiotics.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health, as traditional antibiotics become less effective against evolving bacterial infections. Current treatments often lack the specificity to target bacteria without harming host cells, and the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics contributes to the spread of resistance.
Solution
MHCombiotic is developing a novel class of plant-based antimicrobial agents, termed Combiotics, designed to combat infections and AMR through a dual-action mechanism. These agents leverage a synergistic combination of small molecules and inorganic salts to disrupt bacterial cell membranes, offering a safer alternative to conventional antibiotics. The plant-based agents selectively target bacterial cell membranes, which differ significantly from eukaryotic cell membranes, minimizing harm to host cells. Furthermore, these agents enhance glutathione (GSH) levels in eukaryotic cells, providing anti-inflammatory properties and protecting cells from oxidative stress. By targeting multiple bacterial processes, MHCombiotic aims to provide more efficacious and cost-effective solutions to address the urgent global need for new antimicrobial strategies.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes healthcare providers seeking novel antimicrobial solutions for wound care and pulmonary infections, as well as the livestock industry aiming to reduce antibiotic use in animal health.
Features
- Synergistic combination of plant-derived small molecules and inorganic salts
- Selective targeting of bacterial cell membranes, minimizing harm to eukaryotic cells
- Enhancement of glutathione (GSH) levels in eukaryotic cells for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
- Multi-OMICS studies to elucidate mechanisms of action
- Efficacy across wound care, pulmonary infection, and livestock applications