The MDIM project : Development of immuno-modulators derived from clinical gut microbiota strains

The MDIM project (for Microbiota derived Immuno-Modulators) aims to establish a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of novel immunomodulatory therapeutics derived from gut microbiota strains isolated from exceptionally healthy individuals over 90 years of age.

The founding hypothesis is that healthy aging is associated with unique microbiome compositions that contribute to immune homeostasis, resistance to chronic inflammation, improved vaccine responsiveness, and protection against age-related diseases. By identifying, cultivating, and characterizing these microbial strains, the company intends to develop a portfolio of microbiome-derived therapeutic products targeting oncology, immunology, infectious diseases, and healthy aging.

This project has been initiated at BIOASTER, as GEMINI project (Clinical gov N°: NCT05701371, NCT05972590) and seeks to build a diversified pipeline ranging from Live Biotherapeutic Products (LBPs) to microbiome-derived proteins/mRNA, peptides, and small molecules.

The project will be to develop a pipeline of assets derived from these gut microbiota strains as the following:

• Single or dual gut microbiota strain, as LBP an immune-modulator in combo-therapy in immune-oncology, immunology with therapeutic antibody mono and bi-specific , T cell enhancer (TCE).
• Single or dual gut microbiota strain, as an adjuvant in therapeutic cancer vaccine and immune-depressed population (Elderly, immunocompromised, poor vaccine responders,…) for prophylactic vaccine
• Gut microbiota strain, as vector of therapeutics for GI indications

Proteins, Peptides or small molecules, derived from gut microbiota strains, with a boost activity in B or T cells, will be selected for further evaluation, including scalability and Intellectual Property positioning with potential co-development and licensing -out options.  

The project will be founded as “CAPE contract” in France in early 2027 to evaluate its feasibility.

Bio-Europe November 2026 will be the opportunity to meet stakeholders (Pharma, BioPharma, VC) that could have interest in co-development or for future licensing-in option and to have insight on the markets to prioritize.

Contact: na  @ btobioinnovation [dot] com

Interconnected gut microbiota and Human Health. image generated by AI