LNC Therapeutics and the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) sign research partnership to study anti- inflammatory properties of gut microbiome

• Scientific collaboration to study the anti-inflammatory activity of gut beneficial bacteria, more specifically Christensenella for which LNC Therapeutics holds an exclusive worldwide license

• Collaboration with the Micalis Institute (joint research unit between INRA, AgroParisTech and Paris-Saclay University), a cutting-edge European microbiology research organization

LNC Therapeutics, a French biotech company specializing in the research and development of innovative drugs harnessing the potential of the gut microbiome, announced today the signing of a research partnership with the National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), to study relationships between the gut microbiome and inflammatory diseases. LNC Therapeutics will work in collaboration with the Micalis Institute, a joint research unit between INRA, AgroParisTech and the Paris-Saclay University, dedicated to microbiology research.

Inflammatory diseases: inflammatory processes are linked to a dysfunctional gut microbiome

Many studies have identified the role of the gut microbiome in developing and keeping the immune system functional. Bacteria in the intestine act as a barrier preventing the infection and colonization by potentially pathogenic foreign bacteria.

Intestinal dysbiosis* may disrupt the immune system and as a result play a key role in triggering or exacerbating the severity of inflammation in several chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as respiratory diseases such as allergies or asthma.

LNC Therapeutics intends to harness the potential of beneficial bacteria such as Christensenella by developing single strain live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) to treat patients suffering from inflammatory diseases. Several studies have established a link between Christensenella bacteria and IBDs, highlighting the potential of this new therapeutic approach.

An innovative exploratory research partnership to identify new applications of Christensenella in inflammation-related diseases

LNC Therapeutics will work closely with the team “Interactions of Commensal and Probiotic Microorganisms with the Host” (ProbiHôte) led by Philippe Langella, Research Director of First Class of INRA, that specializes in the study and characterization of commensal and probiotic bacteria’s beneficial effects in human health. The partnership with ProbiHôte aims to study the anti-inflammatory properties of Christensenella bacteria. The partnership may eventually lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets for the development of Christensenella single strain LBPs in inflammatory diseases.