Novel Approaches Defining the Role of Gut Barrier Dysfunction in Driving Systemic Inflammation and Disease

Johnson & Johnson Innovation is seeking novel methods to detect gut barrier dysfunction that have potential as new clinical endpoints. In addition, they would like to identify academic partners with expertise in gut barrier biology in the context of chronic inflammatory diseases (intestinal or systemic diseases) who would be interested in collaborating to explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the gut barrier. 

Research Interests

1. Novel methods to measure gut barrier function including:

• Assays of intestinal permeability
• Novel circulating biomarkers of microbial translocation and epithelial damage
• Faecal biomarkers of mucus health and epithelial shedding
• Other innovative approaches to assess gut barrier function 

2. Preclinical models to explore the mechanism of gut barrier dysfunction on systemic disease and inflammation. Diseases of interest include but are not limited to:

• Gastroenterology: Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, refractory celiac disease
• Immuno-Dermatology: atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, palmoplantar pustulosis
• Rheumatology: rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, lupus nephritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma
• Other inflammatory diseases in which there is a strong link with gut barrier dysfunction 

Developmental Stages of Interest

• Novel methods to detect gut barrier function: preclinical or clinical stage is within scope
• Gut barrier biology: preclinical stage (animal models and/or human ex vivo models)
• Validation in complex, microphysiological models e.g. organoids, organ‑on‑a‑chip models, is of high interest

Out of Scope

Opportunities focused on topical or inhalation drug delivery are not of interest

Incentives for Academics

Johnson & Johnson Innovation is seeking a partner/collaborator with unique expertise or assets in the field of gut barrier dysfunction. The ideal scenario would involve starting collaborations with the teams behind the submitted opportunities.