Eagle Genomics and Quadram set out on AI-powered microbiome investigation to inspire NPD

14 Jan 2022 --- In its latest partnership, deep tech business Eagle Genomics is teaming up with the UK-based Quadram Institute to investigate the microbiome and its role in diet and disease. This research is aimed at developing and refining healthcare and personal care innovations for numerous conditions and chronic illnesses.

By looking at the role of the microbiome in digestion, the researchers can also design healthier foods. This project will involve the sharing of datasets, innovation pipelines and tools to study complex microbiome data through Eagle Genomics’ e[datascientist] platform.

“This will span a multi-year period and include a series of different engagements with the Quadram and its scientific group leaders,” Anthony Finbow, CEO of Eagle Genomics, tells NutritionInsight.

“The partnership will also help support scientists at the Quadram Institute translate their fundamental research into innovative new foods or treatments.”Anthony Finbow is Eagle Genomics’ CEO. 

Lasting impacts
The microbiome consists of trillions of bacteria, viruses and other microbes, and their complement of genomes, all interacting with food and our bodies, explains Finbow. “This is a hugely complex system, and describing it generates a vast amount of data.”

By better understanding this data and the complex relationships of the microbiome, its host and environment, insights and new hypotheses can be derived.

“Network science is required to understand these connections, as well as the different factors that can affect them. To that end, the partnership will deliver datasets and tools that can enable scientists to unravel and quantify these complex and vital interactions.”

Building on prior partners
The financial terms of the partnership have not been released, but it builds on an agreement announced last September with the Earlham Institute. 

“Building a network of key knowledge partners with world-leading research institutes is a critical area of focus for us, and this latest partnership demonstrates commitment to building that network and augments our previously announced partnership with the Earlham Institute,” says Dr. Andrew Tingey, senior director of global IP and licensing strategy at Eagle Genomics.

Dr. Roberto Zanchi, head of business development at the Quadram Institute, shares that both institutes are partners on the Norwich Research Park, part of one of the UK’s major life-sciences centers. Both are also strategically funded by the UK’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.

While both institutes bring complementary expertise to tackling major challenges to UK and global society, Quadram has a strong track record of research into microbes and their interactions with food and in the food chain.

“This enables the food industry to provide sufficient, safe, nutritious food. In recent decades, this has encompassed the role of the microbiome, and the growing realization of how this microbial community impacts health in the gut and beyond,” Zanchi explains. e[datascientist] will provide the scientists with the opportunity to share their work more widely and establish new connections.

Leveraging AI 
Eagle Genomics’ e[datascientist] platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) and network science to surface scientific connections and explore multi-causal relationships – like within the microbiome, for example.

The platform is designed to improve digitization and reduce the siloization of legacy scientific R&D systems, which can be used in tandem with datasets from publicly available databases, all in a standardized format.

In this way, Eagle Genomics says the platform supports the entire R&D workflow, accelerating the generation of novel insights and ultimately reducing time to market.

“By harnessing nature – including its complex networks and associated multi-dimensional data – we can help tackle the world’s ‘Grand Challenges’ while unlocking significant economic potential,” emphasizes Finbow. 

Partnerships abound
This partnership aims to efficiently exploit multi-dimensional, multi-omic biological data. This could help scientists develop new innovations that meet the rapidly increasing nutritional requirements of a growing global population. 

Such an approach would also help in reducing the carbon footprint of sectors such as food processing and agriculture, highlights Quadram. 

Eagle Genomics says it also continues to be engaged in discussions with a range of other unspecified organizations.

The company has also teamed up with Cargill for both human and animal research. Last May, Eagle Genomics further announced a major expansion in India. 

By Katherine Durrell