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Vaginal microbiome transplantation (VMT) is an emerging treatment that aims to restore the natural balance of the vaginal microbiome, offering a promising alternative to traditional therapies for vaginal disorders. Recent studies highlight its potential to treat conditions like bacterial vaginosis, recurrent yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and preterm birth.
What We Know:
The vaginal microbiome is typically acidic (pH < 4.5) due to the presence of lactic acid-producing Lactobacilli. This acidity creates a protective barrier with microbicidal and virucidal properties, preventing infections and reducing the risk of issues such as STIs, infertility and pregnancy complications (Turner et al., 2023).
Therefore, disruption of this microbial balance, whether by a shift in resident bacteria or the introduction of pathogens, can lead to discomfort and inflammation (Meng, Sun & Zhang, 2024).
Due to the parallels between the gut and vaginal microbiomes - both maintaining health through a balanced microbial environment and experiencing infections when disrupted - research has explored similar therapeutic approaches. Just as faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been effective for gut disorders, VMT shows promise in restoring microbial balance and improving health outcomes in women with vaginal microbiome dysbiosis (Meng, Sun & Zhang, 2024).
Industry Impact and Potential:
Research links reduced Lactobacillus dominance and increased vaginal microbiome diversity to precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. The microbiota associated with HPV, dysplasia or cancer includes bacteria from bacterial vaginosis and other dysbiosis. These findings suggest that VMT might aid cervical cancer treatment by restoring healthier vaginal microbiota and addressing HPV-related factors (Łaniewski, Ilhan & Herbst-Kralovetz, 2020).
Freya BioSciences has successfully completed a Phase I clinical trial of FB101, a microbiome treatment derived from healthy donors designed to boost Lactobacillus levels and address vaginal dysbiosis in women undergoing IVF. The treatment demonstrated lasting effects for over 8 weeks and improved inflammatory markers, showing promise for enhancing infertility outcomes, as dysbiotic vaginal microbiomes are linked to lower IVF pregnancy rates. Phase II trials are expected to conclude by 2025 (Smith, 2023).
Our Solution:
Sequential leads the way in microbiome research, providing comprehensive services that extend beyond vaginal microbiome analysis. We also design and support studies focused on the skin, scalp and oral microbiomes while assisting your company in formulating products that protect microbiome health. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping your business develop thorough and effective studies - such as those aimed at nurturing and enhancing the vaginal microbiome - ultimately promoting women's health and well-being.
References:
Łaniewski, P., Ilhan, Z.E. & Herbst-Kralovetz, M.M. (2020) The microbiome and gynaecological cancer development, prevention and therapy. Nature Reviews. Urology. 17 (4), 232–250. doi:10.1038/s41585-020-0286-z.
Meng, Y., Sun, J. & Zhang, G. (2024) Vaginal microbiota transplantation is a truly opulent and promising edge: fully grasp its potential. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology. 14. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2024.1280636.
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