Development of Postbiotic-Containing Biocompatible Vaginal Suppositories against Vulvovaginal Infections

We are seeking collaboration to advance a novel, bio-based therapeutic product aimed at addressing urgent public health needs, specifically recurrent fungal infections caused by drug-resistant strains. This project directly contributes to the EU's goals for a sustainable bioeconomy and clean environment by utilizing natural and innovative materials.

Project Alignment (Horizon Europe Cluster 6)

Our solution is a prime example of bio-based innovation and biomanufacturing concepts. We are developing a sustainable, alternative pharmaceutical product, supporting the transition to more resilient and healthy communities, and fostering sustainable value chains.

Core Innovation and Product Development

The core innovation is a biocompatible, controlled-release vaginal dosage form.

Suppository Matrix: The formulation uses a proprietary polymer matrix composed of natural biopolymers and excipients. This matrix is being optimized for ideal localized release, swelling characteristics, and biodegradation, ensuring a product with a minimal environmental footprint.

Active Ingredients: The formulation is loaded with two active components derived from natural and fermentation sources:

Natural Extract: A proprietary plant-based extract with proven biological activity.

Biologically Active Metabolites: Specific, purified components derived from a probiotic biomanufacturing process.

Current Work: Optimizing the manufacturing process for these metabolites and finalizing the dosage form components based on extensive in vitro antimicrobial and anti-biofilm assessments against key pathogens.

Preclinical Efficacy and Mechanism (Planned)

The therapeutic efficacy and safety are planned to be rigorously evaluated in a validated small animal infection model following full in vitro validation.

Key Planned Outcomes: We plan to assess the product's performance across three critical areas:

Microbiological Efficacy: Measuring the reduction of the fungal load in target tissues.

Safety & Tolerance: Assessing tissue compatibility and integrity via histopathological analysis.

Mechanistic Analysis: Detailed investigation into how the formulation modulates the host's inflammatory response, focusing on key innate immune signaling molecules and inflammasome pathways.

Collaborative Partners Sought

We are seeking collaborative partners (Academic, Research & Technology Organisations, SMEs) to enhance the project in its later stages and move towards deployment. Expertise is particularly needed in the following areas:

Drug Delivery/Pharmaceutical Formulation: Expertise in advanced pharmacotechnical testing, stability validation, and industrial-scale scale-up processes for novel biopolymer-based products.

Regulatory & Toxicology: Experience with regulatory compliance for novel health products, robust preclinical safety testing, and establishing the full toxicological profile.

Microbiology/Immunology: Advanced expertise in pathogen-host interactions and specialized high-throughput immune assay development to complement and expand our current mechanistic studies.

We are ready to partner to deliver this sustainable, natural, and highly effective therapeutic solution.