Charitharth Vivek Lal, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Neonatology at the UAB Heersink School of Medicine, has been named the latest recipient of the school's Featured Discovery award. This recognition celebrates notable research contributions made by faculty and highlights the impact of their scientific advancements.
The study, titled “A lactobacilli-based inhaled live biotherapeutic product attenuates pulmonary neutrophilic inflammation,” was recently published in Nature Communications and explores the development of the world's first inhaled live biotherapeutics to expand treatment of neutrophilic inflammation in various lung diseases.
“Neutrophilic inflammation is central to various chronic lung diseases in older adults, adults, and infants—without many therapeutic options,” said Lal.
The development was achieved through the use of particle-engineered, non-GMO lactobacilli and their metabolites as drug substances. “The technology is ready for Phase 1b clinical trials after completing most of the preclinical efficacy and regulatory work,” said Lal.
The Heersink communications team met with Lal to gain insights into the study and help raise awareness about both the research and the Heersink School of Medicine.
What compelled you to pursue this research?
There is a significant gap in therapeutic options for chronic lung diseases, especially ones marked by significant neutrophilic inflammation, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neutrophilic asthma, non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, etc.
What was your most unexpected finding?
Natural non-GMO bacteria, such as lactobacilli, and their metabolites have significant anti-inflammatory properties when administered to the lungs.
How do you feel your research will impact the science community?
More rigorous studies could be conducted using particle-engineered, non-GMO bacteria or their metabolites as a therapeutic option for various health issues.
What is your research’s relevance to human disease (if applicable)?
Once successfully commercialized as a drug, particle-engineered lactobacilli would be an alternative option for steroids to address neutrophilic inflammation in chronic lung diseases and more without the side effects of steroids.
When did you know you had an important discovery?
We studied chronic lung diseases for several years and examined preclinical data with various small-molecule and peptide interventions. However, we had never seen such a significant impact on the resolution of pulmonary structure, inflammation, and function with any intervention as we saw with particle-engineered natural lactobacilli or its metabolite. Even though we did not understand the mechanisms initially, we knew we were on to something significant. Over the years, we have understood the exact mechanisms by which this modality reduces pulmonary inflammation.
How has being at UAB and living in Birmingham affected your research?
UAB offers an excellent place for rigorous academic research and intellectual freedom. This environment has been transformational in building my research and innovation career.
Nevertheless, merely conducting research is not enough—we need to take the findings to the next level and bring them to patients to create a real impact. The Birmingham biotech ecosystem, investor landscape, and commercial talent pool for translating disruptive academic research into viable patient solutions are still in their infancy, which we are actively trying to change.
What made you come to UAB?
I am a physician-scientist with research interests in pulmonary medicine and clinical interests in neonatology. UAB is a top research institute, especially in the pulmonary space, and has one of the best neonatology clinical programs in the country.