Melius MicroBiomics develops genetically engineered microbial medicines (GEMM™) that restore balance to the gut microbiome and treat chronic inflammation in humans and animals. Their patented bacterial platforms are designed to survive and function in inflamed intestines, unlike traditional probiotics, delivering therapeutic effects directly at the disease site.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Current treatments for gut inflammation in humans and animals are often expensive, have limited efficacy, and fail to address the underlying microbiome imbalance, leaving a high unmet need for effective therapies.
Solution
Melius MicroBiomics creates Genetically Engineered Microbial Medicines (GEMM™), engineered bacterial strains that can survive and function in inflamed intestines. By integrating therapeutic genes into probiotic platforms, the bacteria deliver targeted biological activity directly at disease sites, restoring microbial balance and reducing inflammation. Preclinical studies, such as the EcN:ttr strain in pigs, have shown reduced mortality, improved weight gain, and decreased intestinal permeability, demonstrating the potential for both livestock and human health applications. The company holds patents on the underlying genetic platforms, enabling scalable development of tailored microbial therapeutics for chronic inflammatory conditions.
Target Audience
Primary customers include pharmaceutical and animal health companies seeking microbiome‑based therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases, as well as livestock producers looking for alternatives to antibiotics for post‑weaning stress management.
Features
- Patented genetic platforms that equip bacteria to thrive in inflamed gut environments, unlike conventional probiotics
- Engineered strains capable of producing therapeutic molecules (e.g., enzymes, metabolites) at the site of disease
- Demonstrated efficacy in preclinical large-animal models, showing mortality reduction and improved gut barrier function
- Flexible platform allowing customization of microbial strains for specific human or animal indications
- Integrated bioengineering and microbiome expertise to ensure strain stability, safety, and regulatory compliance