MicrObi Announces Major IBD Detection Breakthrough, Partners with Top Australian Clinics
Microba Announces Groundbreaking Achievement in IBD Diagnosis and Partners with Leading Gastroenterology Service Brisbane, Australia – Microba Life Sciences Limited (ASX: MAP), a leading precision microbiome company, has announced two significant advancements: new clinical effectiveness data for its MetaPanel™ gastrointestinal pathogen test and a strategic partnership with Colonoscopy Clinic, one of Australia’s largest private gastroenterology services, along with its wholly owned subsidiary, Integrated Gut Health. Transforming IBD Care: MetaPanel™ Proven Effective Two independent clinical studies led by associate professors Jake Begun and Graham Radford Smith, prominent gastroenterologists in Australia, have demonstrated that Microba's MetaPanel™ offers substantial clinical utility in managing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Key findings from these studies include: 40% of IBD patients experiencing flare-ups tested positive for gastrointestinal pathogens. Over 60% of these pathogens were not detected by conventional routine tests. These results provide crucial new insights into the clinical management of IBD and support the incorporation of the MetaPanel™ test into standard care protocols. By identifying treatable pathogens during flare episodes, clinicians can potentially avoid unnecessary treatment intensification, reduce the risk of treatment failure, and minimize the need for surgical interventions, thereby leading to more effective remission. Associate Professor Graham Radford Smith, a leading expert in IBD, commented, “These findings are compelling both as an application for the MetaPanel and for the future of precision medicine in gastroenterology. As a clinician managing complex IBD cases, the ability to detect pathogens missed by routine tests could significantly change the way we approach patient care, helping us avoid side effects from unnecessary treatment intensification, improve responsiveness to IBD treatments, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.” Impact on Clinical Practice Through Partnership Microba has also entered into a clinical partnership with Colonoscopy Clinic, which treats over 10,000 patients annually. Under this agreement, Microba and Colonoscopy Clinic will collaborate to integrate MetaPanel™ and MetaXplore™ tests into routine clinical protocols, aiding in diagnosis and treatment decisions. The main elements of this partnership are: Utilizing MetaPanel™ and MetaXplore™ tests in day-to-day clinical practice to assist in diagnosis and treatment planning. Promoting joint clinical studies and academic publications to quantify the impact of Microba’s diagnostic tests on patient outcomes. Developing next-generation gastroenterology care models centered around precision diagnostics. This partnership aligns with Microba’s vision to revolutionize standard care for gastroenterological patients through precision microbiome diagnostic testing. Associate Professor Dan Worthley, a gastroenterology specialist at Colonoscopy Clinic, said, “We are seeing an increasing number of patients with chronic and complex gastrointestinal symptoms that cannot be fully understood through standard tests or endoscopic exams alone. Microba’s tests offer a new perspective on hidden pathogens, microbiomes, and gut function, bringing improved therapeutic outcomes for our patients. By partnering with Microba, we can shift towards more accurate and data-driven treatments, ultimately delivering better results for our patients.” Attractive Market Opportunity More than 7 million people worldwide suffer from IBD, and the growing awareness of the role of the microbiome in disease management highlights the potential of MetaPanel™ as a differentiated, clinically validated tool for identifying triggers of flare-ups. Microba is uniquely positioned to advance this innovative diagnostic approach by collaborating with key institutions like Colonoscopy Clinic. About Microba Life Sciences Microba Life Sciences is a precision microbiome company dedicated to improving human health. They employ cutting-edge technologies to measure the human gut microbiome, driving the discovery and development of novel therapeutics for major chronic diseases. In addition, they provide gut microbiome testing services globally to researchers, clinicians, and consumers. Through partnerships with leading companies in various fields, Microba aims to uncover new links between the microbiome and health or disease and contribute to the development of innovative healthcare solutions. The official version of this press release is in the original language. Translated versions are provided for convenience and do not have legal standing. Readers are advised to refer to the original language version for the legally binding content.