SCIENTISTS FROM THE INSTITUTE OF MICROBIOLOGY AT THE BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES HAVE DEVELOPED AND PATENTED A COMBINATION OF NATURAL BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS VIA A UTILITY MODEL

The scientific development, which has sparked widespread public interest, explores the potential of natural bioactive compounds to support metabolic health.
A team of scientists from the Laboratory of Metabolomics at the Department of Biotechnology of the Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology – BAS, led by Prof. Dr. Milen Georgiev, has developed and protected through a utility model a novel combination of natural bioactive compounds, including the isoflavonoid maackiain, the triterpene betulinic acid, and the alkaloid piperine.
The scientific results were obtained within five years of preclinical studies using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans and were confirmed in rodent experimental models. The research findings are presented in two dissertations and published in numerous scientific papers. Toxicological studies conducted so far show no toxic effects at the applied doses and experimental conditions. A human clinical trial is forthcoming to evaluate the effects and safety of the developed combination regarding metabolic health.
The prevalence of metabolic disorders and obesity has increased significantly over recent decades, with obesity rates more than doubling since 1990. Modern research demonstrates a clear link between obesity, impaired metabolic homeostasis, and the development of numerous chronic non-communicable diseases. These processes result from complex interactions involving disturbances in energy balance, lipid metabolism, insulin signaling, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response.
In search of new approaches to maintain metabolic health, scientists at the Institute of Microbiology – BAS have focused their attention on natural bioactive compounds capable of modulating molecular mechanisms associated with metabolic regulation. The developed combination of maackiain, betulinic acid, and piperine was designed to achieve a synergistic effect on these processes.
The primary goal of the research team is the practical application of the development through the creation of a food supplement based on the innovative combination. In the longer term, the scientists also see potential for developing a medicinal product, which will require passing through all regulatory-defined stages of preclinical and clinical research.
The commercialization of the product is planned in partnership with a Bulgarian company, an established manufacturer of food supplements with an international presence. The project is an excellent example of effective interaction between research organizations and industry, illustrating the opportunities for technology transfer from research results into practice and the creation of products with potential public and economic benefits.
"Modern science shows that complex health conditions such as metabolic disorders require a multidisciplinary approach. Our goal is not to speak of miraculous solutions, but to create science-based approaches that go through all necessary stages—from the laboratory to real-world application. For Bulgaria, such technology transfers of research developments to the market are an important step toward building an ecosystem of scientific innovations with real societal significance," says Prof. Milen Georgiev
Media coverage on the topic (including press, radio, and video): https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/lik/1188934
https://bnrnews.bg/hristobotev/post/527527

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