SKAN Research Trust and Quadram Institute Bioscience have formed a strategic partnership to study the gut microbiome and the gut-brain axis, with the primary objective of advancing understanding of these intricate areas.

The two organizations are partnering to conduct research in the UK and India, focusing on developing microbiome-based products to improve human health and address age-related and neurological conditions. The agreement includes technology transfer, training for Indian researchers, and examining large Indian population cohorts to create tailored therapies for India's unique needs.

Professor Ian Charles, Director of the Quadram Institute Bioscience, highlighted the importance of this collaboration in gut microbiome research and human health. Ashok Soota, Chairman and Managing Trustee of SKAN, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, recognizing Quadram Institute Bioscience's expertise in gut microbiome research, particularly on the gut-brain axis.

The inaugural research endeavor under the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement will center around "Microbiome-based Therapies for Mitigating Parkinson's Disease Symptoms." This ambitious project will be jointly overseen by Professor Arjan Narbad of the Quadram Institute Bioscience and Dr. Yogesh Shouche, a distinguished gut microbiologist affiliated with SKAN.

Professor Arjan Narbad underscored the paramount importance of this collaboration, as it seeks to expedite research into harnessing the human gut microbiome for promoting health, with a specific emphasis on addressing Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Yogesh Shouche conveyed his eagerness to leverage Quadram Institute Bioscience's profound expertise in the realm of gut health research, with the goal of augmenting project outcomes through the inclusion of diverse cohorts exposed to varying environmental conditions and diets.

The commencement of the research project in India is contingent upon receiving the requisite approvals from the Government of India.