The BIOMIS project involves the establishment of Italy’s first biobank of human gut and salivary microbiota, with the aim of conducting research to identify links between the microbiota and diseases, and to test innovative therapeutic approaches involving the transplantation of human microbiota into patients suffering from specific conditions, with a view to modulating the patients’ microbiota and restoring a healthy one.

THE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

The human microbiota is a highly complex community of microorganisms, located on mucosal surfaces (particularly in the gut, mouth and vagina), containing a genome collectively referred to as the ‘microbiome’. Much research has highlighted the key role of the microbiota in human health.
Biomis envisages the creation of Italy’s first biobank. It will enable the pursuit of cutting-edge research, to be conducted using meta-omic approaches, in vitro and in vivo studies, and will aim to identify new relationships between the microbiota and diseases. The ultimate goal will also, and above all, be therapeutic, involving the testing of innovative approaches to the treatment of pathological conditions.
Exprivia will oversee the development of the software platform supporting the biobank, equipped with the capability to interface with corporate and regional information systems (health registries, electronic health records, pathology networks, etc.) and to acquire large quantities of heterogeneous data (clinical, -omic, from scientific literature, etc.) to develop predictive models for diagnostic purposes and to support precision medicine.

PARTNERSHIP:

• H-BIO Puglia District, with the implementing bodies (Consortium members)
• Exprivia S.p.A.
• Gianni Benzi Foundation
• CNR IBIOM
• University of Bari Aldo Moro
• University of Salento
• IRCCS Giovanni Paolo II Cancer Institute, Bari
• IRCCS De Bellis Castellana
• Farmalabor
• Sacro Cuore Catholic University, Rome
• Ca.Re.Bios
• University of Perugia