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Eczema, or atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by skin barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation. Driven by genetic, immunological and environmental factors, as well as skin microbiome changes, emerging research suggests live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) could revolutionise its treatment and prevention.
What We Know:
During AD flare-ups, microbial diversity declines and Staphylococcus aureus often dominates. Up to 70% of individuals with AD have S. aureus colonisation on lesional skin and 30%–40% on non-lesional skin. A disrupted skin barrier, due to genetic and environmental factors, increases pH and water loss, creating conditions for S. aureus overgrowth (Totté et al., 2016).
The severity of AD symptoms correlates with S. aureus levels, exacerbated by toxins like δ-toxin and PSMα. Notably, many AD patients’ microbiomes lack gram-negative bacteria, further reducing microbial diversity (Locker et al., 2024).
LBPs, defined as live organisms used to prevent, treat, or cure diseases, offer a novel approach to addressing these imbalances (Ağagündüz et al., 2022).
Industry Impact and Potential:
LBPs show promise by targeting S. aureus overgrowth and improving skin health. Examples include Roseomonas mucosa and coagulase-negative staphylococci (e.g., Staphylococcus hominis A9), which reduce S. aureus through antimicrobial and immune-modulating mechanisms. Furthermore, Nitrosomonas eutropha B244 produces anti-inflammatory nitrite, showing potential to alleviate AD symptoms(Locker et al., 2024).
@Concerto Bioscience recently initiated a Phase 1 trial of Ensemble No.2 (ENS-002), a topical LBP targeting S. aureus overgrowth. ENS-002 employs three microbial strains to address the root microbial deficiencies linked to AD. Designed for topical application, it minimises systemic risks like immune suppression or infections (Andrus, 2024).
ENS-002’s development leveraged Concerto's kChip screening technology, which tests millions of microbial combinations to uncover interactions that modulate skin health. Using kChip, over 6 million microbial communities were screened to identify the "ensemble" of bacteria that neutralises pathogenic S. aureus.
Our Solution:
At Sequential, we specialise in Microbiome Product Testing to support your business’ goals, such as innovative AD treatments. Our tailored studies and product formulation support ensure developments that maintain microbiome integrity, promoting efficacy, compatibility, and healthier skin. Partner with us to confidently develop microbiome-based topical solutions that address AD’s unique challenges.
References:
Ağagündüz, D., Gençer Bingöl, F., Çelik, E., Cemali, Ö., Özenir, Ç., Özoğul, F. & Capasso, R. (2022) Recent developments in the probiotics as live biotherapeutic products (LBPs) as modulators of gut brain axis related neurological conditions. Journal of Translational Medicine. 20 (1), 460. doi:10.1186/s12967-022-03609-y.
Andrus, E. (2024) Concerto Biosciences Announces First Participant Dosed with Live Biotherapeutic ENS-002 in Phase 1 Trial for Atopic Dermatitis. 2024. Concerto Biosciences. https://www.concertobio.com/press/concerto-biosciences-announces-first-participant-dosed-with-live-biotherapeutic-ens-002-in-phase-1-trial-for-atopic-dermatitis [Accessed: 19 November 2024].
Locker, J., Serrage, H.J., Ledder, R.G., Deshmukh, S., O’Neill, C.A. & McBain, A.J. (2024) Microbiological insights and dermatological applications of live biotherapeutic products. Journal of Applied Microbiology. 135 (8), lxae181. doi:10.1093/jambio/lxae181.
Totté, J.E.E., van der Feltz, W.T., Hennekam, M., van Belkum, A., van Zuuren, E.J. & Pasmans, S.G.M.A. (2016) Prevalence and odds of Staphylococcus aureus carriage in atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. British Journal of Dermatology. 175 (4), 687–695. doi:10.1111/bjd.14566.
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