Leading clinical-stage biotherapeutic business AOBiome Therapeutics (AOBiome) is dedicated to the discovery and advancement of a new class of medications for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, disorders of the central nervous system, and other systemic illnesses. AOBiome, founded in 2012 by Jamie Heywood, the creator of PatientsLikeMe, and David Whitlock, a chemical engineer with training from MIT, is developing a pipeline of several therapeutic candidates that are in the clinical stage.

AOBiome Therapeutics CEO Todd Krueger privately discussed the company's clinical-stage therapies being developed to treat a variety of inflammatory disorders with The Business Fortune.

Interview Highlights

Have you always had a strong interest in the biotech sector? And describe the inspiration for AOBiome Therapeutics' founding.

I took physics in high school, so that's the last science lesson I took. However, my personal experience inspired me to learn more about health and wellbeing. I joined Gajus Worthington and Steve Quake to launch Fluidigm, a firm that uses technology from the microchip industry to apply it to the biological sciences in revolutionary ways. Around the time I had open heart surgery at age 30 to correct a congenital problem. AOBiome has a counterpart.

Traditional societies that forgo contemporary cleanliness, spend time in nature, and live close to the natural world experience lower rates of inflammatory disorders than our culture does. Rosacea, rosacea, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and acne are not evolutionary disorders. Our lifestyle choices are to blame for our detachment from a naturally healthy state. The connection between the significance of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and our immune system was established by our scientific pioneer. AOBs are an essential component of the nitrogen cycle, which our bodies use to maintain our health.

What maintains AOBiome's relevance?

As the trillions of bacteria that inhabit our entire body, our microbiome has been named "the largest organ in the body" and is essential to the health of our immune system. It's widely acknowledged that having a healthy gut microbiome is crucial, yet our skin microbiota has been neglected and is constantly being attacked by the soaps and preservatives we use on a regular basis. It is challenging to produce revolutionary products in a new industry against this background. There's no predetermined route to take.

There can be dead ends when you pioneer. After a few years and a few mistakes, we were able to fine-tune the dosage, the schedule, and the biological target. Now that we are entering Phase 3, the last stage of drug research, we may begin treating patients in a safe and natural way. Our initial objective is moderate-to-severe pruritus (itching) in conjunction with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema). We think that utilizing this new knowledge, an increasing number of medicines will become successful over the coming years.  The microbiome is progressing more quickly, and we are among the first to show its full potential in treating rosacea, eczema, itch, and acne.

How can treatments created by AOBiome improve human health?

Our proprietary biologic, a naturally occurring bacteria removed from our skin by the preservatives in shampoos and soaps, is an important modulator of multiple vital immunological pathways. Interleukins (ILs) 4, 5, 13, and 31 are down-regulated by AOBs. All of those pathways are indicators of an overactive immune system, which is the cause of conditions like atopic dermatitis and its related pruritis.

Our AOBs oxidize the ammonia that is naturally present on our skin, producing nitrite, which is anti-infective, and nitric oxide, which is anti-inflammatory. They also widen our blood vessels and eradicate dangerous bacterial populations, such as Staphylococcus aureus and p-acnes. Reintroducing this important bacterium to the skin can help treat conditions including acne, infections, and wound healing. Long acknowledged for its role in wound healing, nitric oxide has proven difficult to administer and dose; both issues are resolved by our medication.

To what extent can AOBiome adapt to the evolving needs of its patients?

The pharmaceutical sector has narrowed its focus to a very specific segment of the market. Pharma is increasingly concentrating on treating serious illnesses in tiny populations, where businesses can charge astronomical fees and target a small number of specialists. This has been a trend for the past ten years. As a result, everyone is left with subpar alternatives and lesser forms of the same illness, with little attempt at innovation. To be honest, most medications for lesser medical illnesses don't perform effectively and have "acceptable" side effects because there aren't any other options. For instance, it is not advised to use topical steroids for extended periods of time, especially in children. Our goal is to offer that sizable but mostly unnoticed population first-line therapy that is both safe and effective.

Will AOBiome be growing and launching any new research initiatives that the public should be informed about?

Positive results from Phase 2b clinical research involving 547 individuals with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema) and moderate-to-severe pruritus (itching) were recently announced by the business. For both ends, we obtained favorable results. In order to get ready for a Phase 3 study, the business is finishing up its Phase 2 process. The trial is scheduled to begin in 2023. Indications including acne and rosacea, which we have previously tested with encouraging outcomes, are also being examined.

The Visionary Leader Upfront

Todd Krueger is the President, Director, and Chief Executive Officer of AOBiome Therapeutics. Having joined the company in 2015, his primary responsibilities include corporate development, strategic planning, and overall management. Mr. Krueger has over 25 years of expertise in business growth, operations, finance, and healthcare strategy.

Mr. Krueger received his Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management after graduating with Highest Distinction from Northwestern University in the United States as a Bachelor of Economics student.

"AOBiome Therapeutics recently announced encouraging outcomes from its Phase 2b clinical trial, which involved 547 patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema) and moderate to severe pruritus (itching). Positive outcomes were obtained for both endpoints."