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UBC News Highlights Melius' Growth from Academic Research to Clinical Development
A recent UBC News article profiles Melius MicroBiomics and its role in translating UBC Okanagan research into clinical development, strengthening Kelowna's biotechnology sector and creating employment opportunities for highly skilled workers in the region.
The article traces the scientific work of Melius' Co-Founder and Chief Non-Executive Science Advisor Dr. Deanna Gibson, whose research led to the development of an engineered beneficial bacterium designed to thrive in the inflamed gut, including in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The article also describes the translation of this academic discovery into a defined development program. Melius subsequently established an integrated laboratory and multidisciplinary team in Kelowna, enabling product development, analytical testing, stability studies and small-batch manufacturing to be conducted in-house. Melius currently employs 15 full-time staff, most of whom are UBC-trained scientists.
Melius has now completed the chemistry, manufacturing and controls work required to produce a stable, consistently manufactured investigational product for its first-in-human trial. The company plans to begin its Phase 1a/2a trial in late 2026, initially in healthy volunteers, followed by patients with mild-to-moderate ulcerative colitis.
Read the full UBC News article here
About Us
Melius MicroBiomics is a biotechnology company developing next-generation engineered live microbial products designed to improve human and animal health. Built on patented genetic engineering platforms and deep expertise in microbial ecosystems, Melius enhances the therapeutic potential of beneficial bacteria by enabling them to thrive under inflammatory conditions characteristic of many chronic diseases.
For more information, please visit https://linktr.ee/meliusmicrobiomics and follow us on LinkedIn
Melius Media Contact:
Leah D'Aloisio
Medical Science Writer
Melius MicroBiomics
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