Microbiome treatment? Singapore unveils research center exploring gut, obesity and chronic diseases

15 Sep 2022 --- The New Technological University (NTU) has opened the Centre for Microbiome Medicine in Singapore. The research facility will be used to further human health and advance new techniques for treating disease and illness by utilizing the microbiome and investigating the purpose of the microbiota that live there.

The new facility will focus on metabolism, nutrition, cancer, airway diseases and neurological disorders.

“NTU’s initiative to advance research into the microbiome is important as microbes play a vital role in our health and influences a range of disorders from obesity to chronic obstructive airway diseases and fatty liver disease,” says Joseph Sung, dean of LKCMedicine at NTU.

The microbiome contains thousands of species of microorganisms that all potentially play important roles in overall health and well-being and represent a significantly untapped source of possible treatments and health enhancements.

Thousands of opportunitiesThe microbiome contains thousands of species of microorganisms that are intricately related to human health.
The thousands of microbiota in the microbiome live in co-exist peacefully in healthy individuals, yet microbiome imbalances have been linked to numerous ailments. Sometimes called the “black box” of nutrition, it has been linked to metabolic disorders such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes, and may be the key to preventing, as well as treating, many illnesses.

Other studies have found that the microbiome may have a profound effect on cardiovascular and heart health as well. Microbiome imbalances have even been linked to aspects of health not immediately associated with the gut, such as mental health and psychological well-being. 

Because of the plethora of potential benefits, some health experts have stated that the microbiome should be considered when establishing governmental food and nutrition guidelines.

“I believe that microbiome medicine is going to dramatically change our future therapy for metabolic diseases and obesity, lung disease and even therapy for cancer,” stresses Sung.

Striking while the iron is hot
Another significant aspect of the microbiome is its relation to the immune system. An aspect of nutrition that Innova Market Insights reports to be six out of ten consumers consider important when making nutrition decisions.

The center will collaborate with other groups, including the Imperial College in London, UK, and the country’s own National Healthcare Group, to help unravel the microbiome’s mysteries. 

The facility has received a SGD $2.5 million (US$1.8 million) worth of funding so far from private philanthropists and will be directed by the university’s program director, Dr. Sunny Wong. 

Edited by William Bradford Nichols