2017 Archived Content
The microbiome R&D is an emerging area of science that is starting to prove its importance. A PubMed search on the term “microbiome” yielded 300 citations in 2003, 4,498 citations in 2013, and 29,589 citations in 2017. Basic and applied biomedical research from the Human Microbiome Project and other independent studies prove that a disruption of a stable microbiome ecosystem results in dysbioses. This imbalance leads to chronic disease and health conditions. There is great promise in correlating the microbiome compositions with these diseases and using the microbiome as a tool for therapeutic development.
Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s 3rd Annual Targeting the Microbiome tracks both the scientific and clinical progress being made to discover and develop microbiome-derived biomarkers, drug targets, and bioactive molecules as potential treatments for chronic disease and health conditions including inflammation, metabolic disorders, gut disorders, obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, neurodevelopmental disorders, and more. Through interactive sessions and panel discussions, leading researchers and thought leaders will explore how the microbiome can become a potential point of intervention to impact progression to disease.
Final Agenda
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Tuesday, September 26
7:00 am Registration Open and Morning Coffee
8:00 Welcome Remarks
Cindy Crowninshield, RDN, LDN, HHC, Senior Conference Director, Cambridge Healthtech Institute
8:05 Chairperson’s Opening Remarks
Sudeep Basu, Ph.D., Practice Leader, TechVision-Innovation Services, Frost & Sullivan
8:10 Human Microbiome Growth Opportunities and Predictions
Sudeep Basu, Ph.D., Practice Leader, TechVision-Innovation Services, Frost & Sullivan
This presentation focuses on recent development in the areas of microbiome-driven therapeutics. An overview of key research groups, disease focus areas and trends will be provided. The discussion will encompass a review of select technologies, markets and products as well.
8:40 The Human Microbiome: Data Challenges and Solutions
Andreas M. Kogelnik, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Open Medicine Institute
Human microbiome analysis is the study of microbial communities found in and on the human body. The goal of human microbiome studies is to understand the role of microbes in health and disease. High throughput methods have enabled increasingly relevant studies with increasing clinical impact that is both surprising and broad-reaching at times. There remains enormous work to be done for data analysis and for application of these technologies.
9:10 Standards for Microbiome and Metagenomics: Supporting the Commercial Translation of Microbiome Science
Scott Jackson, Ph.D., Molecular Genetics and Microbial Genomics, National Institute of Standards and Technology
At NIST, we are improving microbiome science and supporting the National Microbiome Initiative by developing standards for microbiome measurements that will enable federal, academic, and industry labs to reliably reproduce and advance each other’s results. Microbiome standards will support research investigations and commercial translation of microbiome science by providing measurement assurance tools: standardized protocols, reference materials, validated measurements and critically evaluated reference data.
9:40 Grand Opening Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
10:25 Designing Targeted Next Generation Microbial Therapeutics for Inflammatory Diseases
Nikole Kimes, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Vice President, Siolta Therapeutics
The burgeoning field of microbial therapeutics represents an exciting class of biologics that hold great potential for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory diseases. Siolta Therapeutics is particularly focused on the rational design of a mixed-species microbial consortium to treat childhood asthma through the reengineering of the gut microbiome. Our multifaceted approach utilizes patient stratification, immune phenotyping, and rationally designed microbial consortia to provide next generation microbial therapeutics.
10:55 Role of Probiotics to Prevent Viral Chronic Diseases
Imad Al Kassaa, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Microbiology, Lebanese University; Researcher, Laboratoire Microbiologie Sante et Environnement (LMSE)
In this presentation, we discuss the possible role of probiotic strains in chronic viral infections and their benefits in therapy strategies against infectious diseases. Data from numerous studies has shown that the use of probiotic as therapeutic agents is safe and inexpensive and can avoid the need for invasive treatment for several chronic viral infections caused by HIV, HCV, HTLV, HPV, CVB4, etc.
11:25 Subtractive Assembly Approaches for Identification of Disease-Associated Microbial Marker Genes
Yuzhen Ye, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Computer Science, Indiana University, Bloomington
We have developed novel computational approaches for identification of disease-associated microbial marker genes from metagenomic and metatranscriptomic datasets. Application of our approaches to the microbiome datasets associated with type II diabetes and liver cancer demonstrated that our approaches provide simplified yet efficient solutions for identification of disease-related microbial marker genes.
11:55 Gaining Key Functional Insights into the Microbiome Through Metabolomics
Kendra Hightower, Ph.D., Study Director, Metabolon
There is increasing evidence that the microbiome plays an important role in human health and disease. Gaining an understanding of host-microbe interaction and the mechanisms through which the microbiome influences human health can provide new avenues for microbiome research and therapeutic intervention. A key readout of the host-microbe interaction is the metabolome. We will describe how implementing a metabolomics approach to survey the metabolites that broker the host-microbe interaction can enhance insight into this association.
12:25 Enjoy Lunch on Your Own
1:15 Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
1:50 Chairperson’s Remarks
John M. Conley, J.D., Ph.D., William Rand Kenan, Jr. Professor of Law, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Counsel, Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson
1:55 DAY/TIME CHANGE: The 7-Day Forecast for Our Health Storm: Exploring the Connection between the Oral Microbiome and Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, and Personalized Nutrition
Bonnie Feldman, D.D.S., MBA, Digital Health Analyst and Chief Growth Officer, DrBonnie360
The status of our oral health may be an early indicator of other systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. This talk will present the latest research done on the connection of the oral microbiome to chronic and autoimmune diseases, as well as discuss implementation of the research on the emerging field of personalized nutrition.
2:25 CANCELLED: Featured Presentation: MycroFriends – Targeting the Microbiome to Help Consumers Nurture and Improve Their Health
George Cigale, Co-Founder & CEO, Mycrobiomics, Inc.
Mycrobiomics helps people get healthier through research, education and coaching on the connection between your microbiome, nutrition and lifestyle choices, and overall health. Our first consumer service launched recently in beta at www.mycrofriends.com. Mycrobiomics was founded in 2015 by George Cigale, Founder and former CEO of Tutor.com and Dr. Harlan Weisman, former President of J&J Pharmaceutical R&D. We are based in NYC and backed by seed investments from Mayo Clinic Ventures and Bloomberg Beta.
2:55 Featured Presentation: Patent and Regulatory Update for Microbiome Research
John M. Conley, J.D., Ph.D., William Rand Kenan, Jr. Professor of Law, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Counsel, Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson
3:25 Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing and Poster Competition Winner Announced
4:05 PANEL DISCUSSION: From Microbiome to Market: Exploring Global Scope of Microbiome and Successful Collaboration, Reimbursement, and Business Investment Models
Moderator:
Keith F. Batchelder, M.D., CEO and Founder, Genomic Healthcare Strategies
Panelists:
David Donabedian, Ph.D., Venture Partner, Longwood Fund; Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Longwood portfolio Company Axial Biotherapeutics
Jonathan Freeman, Chief Business Officer, Vedanta
Denise Kelly, Ph.D., Microbiome Venture Advisor, Seventure Partners
Greg Sieczkiewicz, J.D., Ph.D., Chief IP Counsel, MPM
Cameron Wheeler, Ph.D., Principal, Deerfield Management
This microbiome to market panel discussion serves as a critical ending to the first day of this meeting. Today’s agenda has covered themes related to market trends, data analysis, standards, IP challenges, and targeting next generation microbial therapeutics. This panel discussion is appropriate for you if you are working in research, science or industry and have questions about translation opportunities or the kinds of business and financial models that investors find attractive. Leading investors will gather to discuss the areas of the microbiome they are looking at and why. We will explore the global scope of microbiome and successful collaboration, reimbursement, and business investment models between science, business, healthcare, and government in bringing live microbial products to market. We will also discuss balancing venture activities, external R&D, and long-term market opportunities. Join us for a lively and interactive discussion.
5:05 Interactive Breakout Discussion Groups
Join a breakout discussion group. These are informal, moderated discussions with brainstorming and interactive problem solving, allowing participants from diverse backgrounds to exchange ideas and experiences and develop future collaborations around a focused topic. Details on the topics and moderators are below. Please click here for full details on all breakouts.
From Microbiome to Market: Exploring Successful Collaboration and Business Investment Models
Moderator: Keith F. Batchelder, M.D., CEO and Founder, Genomic Healthcare Strategies
Developing Microbiome Industry Standards
Moderator: Scott Jackson, Ph.D., Molecular Genetics and Microbial Genomics, National Institute of Standards and Technology
Ethical Issues in Microbiome Research and Medicine
Moderator: John M. Conley, J.D., Ph.D., William Rand Kenan, Jr. Professor of Law, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Counsel, Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson
Microbiome and Neuroscience
Moderator: Bonnie Feldman, D.D.S., MBA, Digital Health Analyst and Chief Growth Officer, DrBonnie360
- CNS, gut brain axis and suitable microbiome environment to protect from autoimmunity
- Targets to consider with drug treatment and gut microbiome
6:05 Welcome Reception in the Exhibit Hall (Sponsorship Opportunity Available)
7:10 Close of Day
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Wednesday, September 27
7:30 am Registration Open and Morning Coffee
8:00 Chairperson’s Remarks
Bonnie Feldman, D.D.S., MBA, Digital Health Analyst and Chief Growth Officer, DrBonnie360
8:05 SPEAKER REPLACEMENT: Precision Microbiota Applications in Clinical Therapy and Diagnosis
Georg Gerber, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, FASCP, Assistant Professor of Pathology, Harvard Medical School; Member of the Faculty, Harvard-MIT Health Sciences & Technology; Co-Director, Massachusetts Host-Microbiome Center, and Director of the Computational Unit; Associate Pathologist, Center for Advanced Molecular Diagnostics; Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women's Hospital
The microbiota, or compending of organisms living on and in us, provide essential functions for normal health and physiology. They also contribute to a variety of diseases. This non-human organ is also increasingly being used to develop and target new therapies for a variety of conditions, from Clostridium difficile colitis, to treatment of IBD, and other autoimmune, allergic and metabolic diseases.
8:35Discovering Microbiome-Related Nutritional Biomarkers for Chronic Diseases Using Multi-Omics and Transgenic Model Technologies
Kanakaraju Kaliannan, M.D., Senior Research Fellow, Laboratory for Lipid Medicine and Technology (LLMT), Massachusetts General Hospital
The modern chronic disease epidemic has coincided with the rise of nutritional imbalances in the Western diet, including excessive intake of omega-6 fatty acids and insufficient intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Our combined use of multi-omics technologies with novel transgenic mouse models has demonstrated critical links between the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid imbalance and chronic disease, and has discovered microbiome-derived biomarkers for disease assessment. Targeting the microbiome is a key approach for developing effective therapeutics for chronic disease.
9:05 Simple Gut Microbiome Metabolite Blood Screen for Wellness and Risk Markers
Wayne Matson, Ph.D., Chief Scientist & Co-Founder, Research & Development, Ixcela, Inc.
Ixcela has developed a fingerprick blood test for metabolomic profiling and monitoring of gut health-related risk factors. The test allows self-sampling (25-50 uL), and employs HPLC coupled Electrochemical Detection. Theoretical and developmental rationale; test characteristics; specific metabolite importance; and outcome data from multiple studies is presented.
9:35 Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
10:20 DAY/TIME CHANGE: Clinical Development of Ammonia Oxidizing Bacteria for Systemic and Dermatologic Targets
Larry Weiss, CMO, AOBiome, LLC
AOBiome is a clinical stage microbiome therapeutics company in Phase II development with a range of systemic and dermatologic therapeutic targets including acne, hypertension, allergic rhinitis, and migraine headache. Our intervention is based on restoring ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB), and autotrophic ancestral keystone commensal bacteria. This bacteria oxidize physiologic ammonia to nitrite and nitric oxide restoring host control over local and systemic inflammation, hemodynamics, and cellular energy metabolism. We will present scientific and clinical data.
10:50 Targeting the Intestinal Microbiome with Colon-Specific Pharmaceutical Vehicles - Revisiting
Abraham Rubinstein, Ph.D., Professor, Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem School of Pharmacy
The enormous number of microorganisms inhabiting the human intestine, mainly the large bowel, is a source for diverse enzymatic activity that can be exploited for drug delivery and imaging purposes. Polymeric vehicles, susceptible to enzyme-driven hydrolysis have been suggested and tested clinically in the context of local treatment of colon-mucosa associated diseases and imaging.
11:20 Enjoy Lunch on Your Own
12:35 pm Plenary Keynote Program
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2:00 Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing
2:45 Close of Conference
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