Maryland Patent of the Month – May 2024
Theriva Biologics, Inc. has been granted a patent for their innovation in the field of gastrointestinal microbiome protection, addressing a critical need in antibiotic therapy. Their invention revolves around a formulation containing a beta-lactamase, a key enzyme capable of deactivating antibiotics, particularly those taken orally, to prevent microbiome disruption. The formulation comprises a precise combination of components, including beta-lactamase, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMCAS), ethylcellulose dispersion, sodium stearyl fumarate, buffer, and water.
What makes this invention remarkable is its specificity and efficacy. The beta-lactamase utilized in Theriva’s formulation targets antibiotics in the gastrointestinal tract without interfering with systemic antibiotic levels, ensuring the continued therapeutic benefits of the antibiotic while safeguarding the delicate balance of the gut microbiome. This targeted action addresses the challenge of antibiotic-induced microbiome disruption, a common and often overlooked consequence of antibiotic therapy.
Theriva’s formulation is designed for optimal delivery in the gastrointestinal tract, ensuring that the beta-lactamase is released in the appropriate location to neutralize excess or residual antibiotics. This strategic formulation approach enhances the therapeutic effectiveness of the beta-lactamase while minimizing any potential systemic effects.
The applications of Theriva’s invention are wide-ranging. By protecting the gastrointestinal microbiome, their formulation can prevent antibiotic-associated adverse effects such as Clostridium difficile infection and antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Additionally, it holds promise in treating or preventing microbiome-mediated disorders like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
What sets Theriva’s innovation apart is its comprehensive approach to microbiome protection. By combining the beta-lactamase with adjunctive therapies and formulating it for targeted delivery, Theriva ensures a multifaceted solution to microbiome disruption, offering new possibilities for improving patient outcomes in antibiotic therapy.
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