Innovative microbiome technology may help fight certain infections

Stony Brook University and Ortek Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that two patent applications were filed in the United States and internationally for nutrient based compositions utilizing an innovative microbiome technology that may help combat certain infections. Developed at Stony Brook University, these compositions have been exclusively licensed to Ortek as part of a long-standing and commercially successful collaboration with Stony Brook University and the State University of New York (SUNY) Research Foundation.

This microbiome technology will be applied to potentially treat certain infections common to several areas of the body. These patent-pending microbiome altering compositions have broad applications designed to help improve human health and quality of life. These applications include a composition to reduce cutaneous odor-causing bacteria found at the human axilla and foot regions, and a composition to reduce cutaneous and nasal atrium Staphylococcus aureus proliferation. Ortek is seeking licensing partners to further develop and commercialize these cutting-edge compositions, which can be incorporated into an array of over-the-counter and prescription products.

These breakthrough compositions were developed at Stony Brook University under the leadership of Dr. Israel Kleinberg DDS, PhD, DSc, Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Oral Biology and Pathology in the School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Kleinberg is a pioneer in understanding the oral microbiome, specifically his landmark mixed-bacteria ecological approach of the role of oral bacteria in dental caries causation and prevention.

"I have spent over 40 years investigating the compositions and metabolisms of oral bacterial communities and how they are affected collectively by ecological conditions and changes," said Dr. Kleinberg. "This ongoing research has provided significant understanding of microbiomes in and outside of the oral cavity. This has led to the development of compositions and methods for the inhibition of the growth and/or metabolism of human cutaneous malodor-generating microbiota and Staphylococcus aureus proliferation on the skin and in the nasal passages."

"We are excited about the promise of these unique compositions that are the result of thorough and extensive research in microbiome science," said Mitchell Goldberg, President of Ortek. "By favoring beneficial bacteria, these nutrient-based compositions can help modify and maintain healthy cutaneous microfloras."

Goldberg expects that with this microbiome manipulating approach, further research into commercial applications could provide a new paradigm for the prevention of body odor and cutaneous and nasal atrium staph infections, including MRSA and MSSA.