ANIZOME, a new company offering a commercial therapeutic microbiome discovery platform dedicated to animal health and nutrition, launched May 23.

The collection of microorganisms that inhabit the bodies of people and animals have been studied extensively in recent years and play an important role in maintaining host health, the company said.

“Recent discoveries are causing us to rethink the way we treat disease in animals. The microbiome holds great promise not only in reducing antibiotic use in livestock but also in creating personalized solutions for our pets,” ANIZOME chief executive officer Oliver Hardcastle said.

ANIZOME brings together an experienced team of experts to build on more than a decade of breakthrough discoveries about the microbiome. The company intends to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic solutions capable of optimizing performance and preventing disease in animals, the announcement said.

The partners behind the company include Baylor College of Medicine, Diversigen and Stonehaven Incubate, which specializes in accelerating innovation through new company formations in animal health.

The joint venture bridges the gap between microbiome research and commercial development to deliver next-generation solutions for farm and companion animals, the announcement said.

“If you were to build this platform from scratch, it would take several years, an investment of tens of millions of dollars and require significant expertise,” Oliver said. “The team we have at ANIZOME are world leaders in the microbiome sphere and will be developing a pipeline of candidates to tackle some of the most significant animal health challenges. By utilizing the advancements made in human health, we will be able to improve animal welfare and productivity.”

To access the technology platform, visit www.anizome.com.