CALGARY, Canada – November 1, 2021
The Microbiome and Mental Health Principal Investigator Special Purpose Grant was established to permit researchers to collaborate with Nimble Science to explore the link between the microbiome of the small intestine and mental illness in humans.
The Branch Out Neurological Foundation is a not-for-profit organization based in Calgary, Canada that accelerates tech solutions and non-pharmaceutical approaches to neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Autism, Depression, Multiple Sclerosis, Concussion, Epilepsy etc.
Nimble Science has developed a first of its kind small intestinal sampling capsule technology (SIMBA capsule) that can non-invasively but selectively collect a fluid sample from the small intestine. The SIMBA capsule was developed in recognition of the need for clinical investigations to study the real-time interactions of host-diet-microbiota in those hard-to-access GI regions, especially the small intestine. The reliance on incomplete information from fecal samples is known to have limited our understanding and outcomes. The SIMBA capsule aims to fuel a whole new generation of investigation and clinical advancement in mental health.
Branch Out is excited to create this $120,000 Special Purpose Grant to give researchers the opportunity to collect small intestinal samples from their clinical cohorts of interest to expand on their ongoing research on mental health and neuropsychiatric conditions. This is an incredible opportunity to expand the current understanding of the role of the microbiome by enabling access to an area of the human body that is rich in information and previously out of reach. You can learn more about the grant and how to apply on the Branch Out website (NeuroCAM Innovation Seed Grants - Branch Out Foundation) You can learn more about Nimble Science's SIMBA device and its capabilities to study the microbiome of the small intestine on our website .
Note: The SIMBA Capsule is only to be used for Investigational Testing and is not currently licensed for sale or importation in Canada with authorization from Health Canada.