Probiotics derived from traditional fermented foods of Northeast India could soon be used to combat lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity, following a new research and development partnership between the Guwahati-based Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) and Bharat Biotech International Ltd (BBIL), Deccan Herald reported.
On Thursday, IASST, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), signed an agreement with Bharat Biotech to advance innovative health products based on probiotics isolated from the Northeast’s unique fermented foods.
The collaboration aims to harness these probiotics’ promising properties for treating metabolic diseases, improving gut health, and promoting healthy ageing.
According to an official statement, Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST, expressed optimism about the initiative: “These probiotics have shown great potential in addressing metabolic diseases, improving gut health, and promoting healthy ageing, based on research conducted by IASST. The agreement will facilitate the necessary pre-clinical and clinical studies for these potential probiotics. I am confident that the product will fight against metabolic diseases by promoting healthy ageing.”
IASST Director Ashis Mukherjee highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating that it transforms academic research into commercially viable health solutions. “Bharat Biotech, a global leader in vaccine and health solutions, will be crucial in conducting pre-clinical and clinical trials to ensure these probiotics meet regulatory standards,” he said. “The probiotic products, rooted in traditional knowledge, are expected to provide natural solutions for lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity, while contributing to India’s growing biotechnology sector.”
As part of the collaboration, Bharat Biotech will participate in the commercialization process, with a monitoring committee, including representatives from related stakeholders, overseeing the project to ensure timely progress. The agreement specifies that IASST will receive royalties from the sales of products developed under this partnership.