Glycosyn, Inc. is developing a suite of products based on its research and development of novel therapies and diagnostics. These products include:
1) Purified α(1,2) fucosylated oligosaccharides
These bulk chemicals, produced by microbial fermentation, will be used as supplements in conventional infant formula, weaning foods, or be used as nutritional supplements (e.g. as components of beverages) or as prophylactic over-the-counter pills for susceptible adult populations (e.g. travelers, the elderly).
2) Probiotic yeast strains expressing α(1,2) fucosylated glycans on their cell surface.
These strains will act as “decoys”, adsorbing pathogenic organisms on their cell surface with high efficiency (due to avidity effects). The strains will be provided in probiotic foods such as yogurt or kefir. Potentially Glycosyn’s engineered probiotic yeast could also be provided in infant formula. In addition, for consumption in poorer countries with high endemic rates of enteric disease, we are seeking means to produce and distribute these products locally.
3) α(1,2) fucosylated glycoproteins
The most potent anti-infective components of human breast milk are fucosylated proteins. The basis of this potency is thought to be through avidity effects resulting from polyvalent presentation of fucosylated glycan groups. Polyvalent- or multivalent-fucosylated glycoproteins will be produced in, and purified from, appropriately engineered microbial strains, and then formulated as hi-potency therapeutics.
4) Prebiotics
Indigestible dietary glycans can have the ability to modify the intestinal microbiota with beneficial effects to the host. Human milk glycans exhibit this prebiotic activity.
5) Anti-obesity agents (e.g., human milk adiponectin)
Human milk is known to possess anti-obesity activity, and adiponectin is known to contribute to this effect.
6) Diagnostics (identification of individuals and populations at risk of disease)
- Glycan expression phenotype and genotype in individuals and populations may predict the risk of contracting necrotizing enterocolitis and other diseases. Glycosyn has licensed intellectual property which may enable accurate diagnostic risk assessment for necrotizing enterocolitis.
- Human milk phenotype and maternal genotype underlies variation in milk glycans, and is related to variations in protection from infection for the breastfeeding infant.