Using synthetic biology to address iron deficiency in south and southeast Asia

Purpose and goal:

In this feasibility study, we will start by verifying the iron status in people of south and southeast Asian descent. We will gather more data, discuss with the local medical community, and understand iron sources in south Asian cuisine. We also need to understand what are the current IDA treatments and the possibility of having a biobased iron source with high bioavailable iron. These insights will guide a robust research project addressing iron deficiency in the Asian population.

Expected results and effects:

We aim to find local partners to provide data on the iron status in the south Asian population, ideally from hospitals as well as collaborators who can help us to do large-group studies and test our active compound in products that are very much consumed in the region. Long-term, this project aims to address nutritional deficiencies in South and Southeast Asia through synthetic biology, medicine, and social studies, focusing on iron and other compounds.

Approach and implementation:

In the first part of this project, the efforts will be towards understanding the iron status in the south Asian population. With the help of partners we will understand the socio-economic contexts behind iron deficiency and anaemia and how to solve it. In Singapore, partnerships will be formalized, focusing on IPR and commitments. Back in Sweden, we will prepare a project for the next phase, including data obtained from this first part, and plans for organoleptic, in-vitro, and in-vivo trials.