Nestle backs development of new microbiome therapy for bacterial infections

Nestle has announced a new collaboration with Seres Therapeutics on the development of a novel class of microbiome therapeutics.

The companies will work together to develop Seres' Ecobiotics range for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infections and inflammatory bowel disease, an alliance that could potentially lead to the first ever microbiome therapy launch in the world.

A lead candidate, SER 109, is in phase II trials and targets multiple recurrent C. diff strains, a bacterial infection that can affect the digestive system, with an additional C. diff and two inflammatory bowel disease pipeline candidates also included as part of the collaboration.

Seres' Ecobiotics are first-in-class therapies based upon microbial organisms that target the microbiome, the 100 trillion microorganisms that live within the human body.

Greg Behar, chief executive officer of Nestle Health Science, said: "With this strategic move, we demonstrate our intent to be a leader in bringing breakthrough healthcare approaches to market that transform patient outcomes and create value in healthcare systems around the world."

This aligns with Nestle's stated objective of taking a leadership position in the developing microbiome therapy field.