Genetically modified bacterium, which turns into a means of drug delivery in combination with sugar, can become a new way of treating intestinal diseases.

Specialists used Bacteroides ovatus in therapy for the growth factor of keratinocytes (KGF-2), which allow healing directly damaged cells in the intestine, but the process could be activated only when used in conjunction with xylan, sugar, which is lacking in normal diet.

This means that the patient will be able to control his treatment, using xylan, possibly in the form of a drink, after the dry bacteria in the capsules have been taken. For the first time, it was possible to administer a therapeutic protein in the digestive system, using food in the form of sugar, scientists said.. After approximately 18 months, specialists plan to begin clinical trials in humans after successful experiments on laboratory mice.

Bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, affect the health of approximately 0.5% of the population of rich countries and are difficult to treat. In the case of successful results of clinical trials in humans, the treatment process will be much more effective, say researchers.

Medicinform. Net.

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