TECHNOLOGY GENERATOR

University of the Philippines Manila
Leslie Michelle M. Dalmacio, PhD FPAM & Marilen P. Balolong, PhD DPAM

THE PROBLEM

People living with HIV (PLHIV) face a high risk of developing metabolic complications, including dyslipidemia, elevated cholesterol, gut dysbiosis, and chronic inflammation. These conditions are often exacerbated by long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART). Existing management strategies are limited, costly, or insufficient to address metabolic dysfunction at the gut microbiome level.

THE SOLUTION

The University of the Philippines Manila, through the Philippine Program for Diagnostic Biomarkers, Disease Modeling and Nutriceutical Product Development (Phil-DIAMOND) Project 3, developed a Lactic Acid Bacteria-based biofunctional food supplement designed as a potential adjunct therapy for managing metabolic complications in PLHIV. The technology harnesses two locally sourced lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BS25 (LPBS25) and Pediococcus acidilactici 3G3 (PA3G3), previously isolated from traditional Filipino fermented foods. These strains were selected for their demonstrated cholesterol-lowering activity, antimicrobial peptide production, and potential to modulate the gut microbiome. Through in vitro, in vivo, and in silico analyses, the strains were shown to be safe, non-cytotoxic, and capable of reducing dyslipidemia while inhibiting gut pathogens associated with HIV-related metabolic disorders.

The final output is an LPBS25-based functional food product (BS25FF), formulated to deliver bioactive probiotics effectively to the gut. The product provides a microbiome-targeted intervention that may complement existing antiretroviral therapy, supporting gut health, modulating immune function, and helping manage metabolic complications. Its key advantages include being natural, food-based, locally sourced, and scientifically validated, offering an accessible and scalable solution for improving the quality of life of PLHIV in the Philippines.

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT STATUS

It is currently in Technology Readiness Level 4 and validated in vitro and in vivo, with prototype functional food developed

CURRENT NEEDS

Phil-DIAMOND Project 3 is seeking clinical research partners to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of the LPBS25-based functional food product.

CONTACT DETAILS

University of the Philippines Manila-Technology Transfer and Business Development Office (UPM-TTBDO)
2/F UP Manila Main Building, Joaquin Gonzales Compound, Padre Faura Street, Ermita, Manila
(632) 8-8141-293
ttbdo.upm@up.edu.ph