Ep.14 – Dr Lydia Mapstone
In episode 14 we talk to Dr Lydia Marstone, an expert in breast milk microbiology, and live biotherapeutic products.
Dr Mapstone is co-founder and CEO at BoobyBiome, a biotechnology company that is developing a live biotherapetuic product for babies that do not have access to breast milk. Dr Mapstone holds a PhD from UCL.
It is now becoming increasingly recognised that the early stages of life are critically important in the context of shaping the microbiome. Some bacteria are particularly important and are obtained by babies and infants from their mothers breast milk. Indeed, human breast milk contains an important microbiome that supports the immune system, metabolism and promotes healthy development.
Not breastfed babies not have access to these beneficial bacteria as off-the-shelf milk formulas are sterile. Babies born pre-mature or through c-section that are not breast fed have a higher risk of developing auto-immune disease and allergies later in life. In the episode, Dr Mapstone explains how BoobyBiome are working to address this unmet clinical need through a product that contains beneficial bacteria that can be mixed into off-the-shelf milk formulas. To achieve this, they have established a donor programme in which mothers donate their breastmilk for analysis. The team have began to identify which bacteria are ‘keystone’ and are associated with particular properties that may be beneficial for babies.
Dr Mapstone and James spoke about the importance of the microbiome more broadly, as well as the challenges and ups/downs associated with building business while studying. Dr Mapstone built BoobyBiome while undertaking a PhD - an incredible feat.