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Dr. Prerana Shrikant Chaudhari, postdoctoral researcher at the FLI in Jena, receives €100,000 in federal funding for the development of the first pharmacological treatment for leaky gut syndrome.
Jena. Researchers at the Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena have once again succeeded in securing highly competitive funding from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR). Through the GO-Bio initial program, Dr. rer. nat. Prerana Chaudhari, postdoctoral researcher in the research group of Dr. Maria Ermolaeva, has been awarded €100,000 to advance the translational project SEAL (Strengthening Endothelial Adherence and Leakage Prevention).
The GO-Bio initial funding program supports life science research approaches with clear innovation potential at an early stage of development as a first critical step on the path to commercialization and improved health outcomes.
Leaky gut syndrome is a pathological weakening of the intestinal barrier that contributes to chronic inflammation, drives multiple aging hallmarks, and is implicated in a variety of widespread diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and metabolic disorders. “Despite the wide prevalence of leaky gut syndrome, current therapies are purely symptomatic, not causal. This indicates that there is no approved pharmacological solution to directly target and restore intestinal barrier function”, Dr. Chaudhari explains.
The SEAL project aims to change this by developing the first drug candidate to specifically treat leaky gut syndrome. Building on fundamental discoveries inspired from microbiome research, the team is exploring novel strategies to strengthen intestinal integrity by engaging key biological pathways.
“Our approach is to transform a basic microbiome discovery into a therapeutic solution with real patient benefit,” explains Dr. Chaudhari. “With SEAL, we hope to lay the foundation for a first-in-class treatment that addresses leaky gut at its root cause rather than only alleviating symptoms.” Dr. Ermolaeva adds: “This project exemplifies how insights from aging research can directly translate into innovative therapies for common diseases”.
The SEAL project is supported by the FLI’s internal SPARK mentorship program, which fosters translation of promising scientific discoveries into practical applications. With the GO-Bio initial funding, the team, together with Dr. Sonja Schätzlein will refine its intellectual property strategy, conduct market and regulatory analyses, and establish a translational development plan, paving the way for follow-up funding and eventual commercialization.
The GO-Bio Initial program of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR, formerly BMBF) is a two-stage funding measure in the life sciences sector, that supports early-stage ideas in the field of biosciences and provides up to €1.1 million annually for the exploration and feasibility phase. The declared goal is to bring these ideas to fruition.
Contact
Christel Werner
Press & Public Relations
Phone: 03641-656374, Email: presse@leibniz-fli.de
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Background
The Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI) in Jena is a federal and state government-funded research institute and member of the Leibniz Association (Leibniz-Gemeinschaft). FLI conducts internationally recognized, high-impact research on the biology of aging at the molecular, cellular, and systems levels. Scientists from around 40 countries investigate the mechanisms of aging to uncover its root causes and pave the way for strategies that promote healthy aging. Further information: http://www.leibniz-fli.de.
The Leibniz Association connects 96 independent research institutions that range in focus from natural, engineering, and environmental sciences to economics, spatial, and social sciences and the humanities. Leibniz Institutes address issues of social, economic, and ecological relevance.
They conduct basic and applied research, including in the interdisciplinary Leibniz Research Alliances, maintain scientific infrastructure, and provide research-based services. The Leibniz Association identifies focus areas for knowledge transfer, particularly with the Leibniz research museums. It advises and informs policymakers, science, industry, and the general public.
Leibniz institutions collaborate intensively with universities – including in the form of Leibniz ScienceCampi – as well as with industry and other partners at home and abroad. They are subject to a transparent, independent evaluation procedure. Because of their importance for the country as a whole, the Leibniz Association Institutes are funded jointly by Germany’s central and regional governments. The Leibniz Institutes employ around 21,400 people, including 12,170 researchers. The financial volume amounts to 2 billion euros. For more information: http://www.leibniz-gemeinschaft.de/en/.
Dr. Prerana Chaudhari
Quelle: private
Copyright: FLI
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