Lactiga Wins Significant NIH Grant to Promote Mucosal-Targeted Secretory IgA for Patients with Immunodeficiencies

Lactiga, a biotechnology company based in North Brunswick, N.J., specializes in developing therapies using naturally occurring antibodies for inflammatory and immunodeficient conditions. On February 3, 2025, the company announced that it has been awarded a multi-year, multi-million dollar grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), under the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). This significant funding will expedite the development of Lactiga's lead product, LCTG-001, which is notable as the first ever secretory IgA (sIgA) mucosally-targeted replacement therapy for patients suffering from compromised immune function.

Secretory IgA serves as a crucial first line of defense for the immune system, coating mucosal surfaces to neutralize pathogens, manage inflammation, and sustain a healthy microbiome. Conditions such as Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID) hinder the body's ability to maintain this essential immunological barrier, which puts affected individuals at elevated risk for chronic infections and associated inflammatory complications.

Lactiga's CEO and Co-founder, Rik Mehta, expressed the significance of the NIH grant, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative therapies that effectively leverage the body’s own immune capabilities to fight diseases. Mehta highlighted the importance of this funding for advancing research and development, particularly for rare pediatric diseases like CVID, which carries a significantly higher mortality rate among children. He noted that this support will enable Lactiga to carry out crucial nonclinical studies and prepare for first-in-human trials, ultimately advancing toward the introduction of the world’s first mucosally targeted antibody replacement therapy for patients with compromised immune systems.

The LCTG-001 program has already achieved important regulatory milestones, including Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These designations underscore LCTG-001’s potential to revolutionize treatment options for individuals with immune deficiencies, showcasing it as a breakthrough therapy under development.

Lactiga focuses on developing novel mucosal antibodies derived from human breast milk, aiming to improve the quality of life for vulnerable, immunocompromised populations. By specializing in secretory IgA-based therapeutics, the company utilizes proprietary technologies to create targeted treatments aimed at combating infectious and inflammatory diseases.

For media inquiries related to Lactiga, Leann Pinto, the Chief Business Officer, is the point of contact and can be reached via the company's official communication channels.

This grant from the NIH symbolizes a vital step forward in addressing the pressing needs of patients with immune deficiencies and represents a promising advancement in the realm of therapy focused on enhancing the body’s natural defense mechanisms. The funding and regulatory recognitions serve to position Lactiga and its pioneering approaches at the forefront of innovative medical solutions for at-risk populations.