Holobiome is developing next generation probiotics, derived from the healthy human microbiome, to address major global health problems. With this application we seek to explore utility of these strains to solve a major challenge for the intergalactic advancement of humanity -- the mental health of deep space explorers. We call these Astrobiotics.

Two animal models (rats) were used in this study. The first was the limited bedding and nesting model, which elicits early life stress and is well published to induce depressive- and anxiety-like behavior. Unfortunately, after significant effort in optimizing the model using published protocols and consulting with experts, the model was not seen to cause depressive- or anxiety-like behavior. We then moved on to a second model, known as social defeat, which we did find exhibited the anticipated phenotype. Excitingly, in this model we found HOLO-1 exhibited anti-depressant activity, as measured via the sucrose preference test.

Analysis is ongoing for a range of tissues collected throughout the study, including shotgun metagenomic sequencing of cecal contents and stool; serum, cecum, stool, and brain GABA levels; and RNAseq in cecum and brain tissues. Immunological profiling is ongoing in plasma samples. This analysis is expected to be completed in Q1 2021. We anticipate the intervention with HOLO-101 will be associated with increased systemic levels of GABA and/or increase GABAergic activity in some of the collected tissues.

Supported by additional Holobiome studies showing therapeutic potential of HOLO-1, these results encourage us to enter into manufacturing and human testing in 2022. Given the path-to-market is currently first planned as a consumer facing probiotic, and assuming strong safety profiles in humans, HOLO-1 may be available to the public in 2023.

Holobiome is developing next generation probiotics, derived from the healthy human microbiome, to address major global health problems. With this application we seek to explore utility of these strains to solve a major challenge for the intergalactic advancement of humanity -- the mental health of deep space explorers. We call these Astrobiotics.