Translating microbiome-based solutions for gut health

LIH project selected for funding under the FNR BRIDGES 2025-2 call

• Department of Infection and Immunity
• Nutrition, Microbiome and Immunity
• Donation

The Nutrition, Microbiome & Immunity research group of the LIH Department of Infection and Immunity (DII) has been awarded a EUR 400,000 grant under the BRIDGES Programme of the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) to support the new research project INSIGHT, a EUR 2-million public-private partnership aimed at advancing microbiome-based diagnostics and treatments for intestinal health.

The INSIGHT project focuses on developing and validating an innovative framework to assess and improve gut health, with particular attention to patients suffering from IBS-like disorders. The initiative builds on the foundations established by the previous BRIDGES-funded project BMARK, which identified and validated microbial biomarkers associated with dietary fibre intake and gut health.

By leveraging these earlier discoveries, INSIGHT will combine biomarker research with the standardisation of stool collection kits and the development of targeted stool assays capable of providing clinically relevant information about gut health status. The project will also evaluate the effectiveness of a postbiotic intervention through a randomised clinical trial.

“Through a translational research approach that integrates in vitro, in silico, and clinical investigations, the project aims to accelerate the application of microbiome science in healthcare, representing a significant step forward in bringing microbiome-based insights closer to clinical practice and personalised medicine. The project supports the PhD and postdoctoral projects of Amrei Rolof and Dr. Erica Grant, respectively, who are key LIH contributors to the study”, explains Dr Mahesh Desai, leader of the Nutrition, Microbiome & Immunity group.

INSIGHT is a three-year initiative conducted as a EUR 2-million public-private partnership between LIH and healthcare company MEDICE, with an FNR contribution of EUR 400,000. The collaboration strengthens existing ties between the two partners and supports MEDICE’s strategic transformation toward holistic, evidence-based healthcare solutions.

The project is expected to deliver strong scientific, clinical, and commercial impact by opening new avenues for precision nutrition and individualised treatments for gastrointestinal disorders, ultimately contributing to improved patient care and innovative healthcare solutions. We are extremely grateful to the FNR for their substantial support to this high-impact undertaking

concludes Dr Desai.

The FNR BRIDGES programme provides financial support for industry partnerships between public research institutions in Luxembourg and national or international companies.