ClostraBio Secures INVENT Illinois Investment, Names New CSO, Plans 2025 Product Launch
ClostraBio, Inc., a pioneering biotechnology company dedicated to harnessing natural pathways for gut health management, has announced new institutional investors participating in its latest bridge financing round. Among the key investors are the Illinois Innovation Venture Fund (INVENT), administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and NextGen Nutrition Investment Partners (NGN). This funding marks a significant milestone for ClostraBio as it advances its innovative research and prepares for the commercial launch of its first product in the summer of 2025.
Strategic Investment from INVENT Illinois and NGN
The INVENT program is a state-led initiative focused on fostering entrepreneurship and technological innovation in Illinois. By investing in early-stage companies like ClostraBio, the program aims to solidify the state’s position as a leader in biotechnology and entrepreneurship.
“We are proud to support the innovative spirit and growing biotechnology sector in Illinois. By investing in companies like ClostraBio through the Illinois Innovation Venture Fund, we are strengthening the state’s position as a leader in biotechnology and entrepreneurship. The continued growth of our startup ecosystem, fueled by initiatives like INVENT, demonstrates our commitment to fostering an economic environment where companies can grow and thrive,” said Kristin Richards, Director of Illinois DCEO.
NextGen Nutrition Investment Partners (NGN), another key investor in this funding round, specializes in early-stage companies that develop disruptive technologies and products in the global food industry. NGN comprises experienced industry executives who collaborate with founders, investors, and strategic stakeholders to maximize business potential.
“Gut health is a vital aspect of overall health, and butyrate production plays a key role in maintaining a balanced microbiome,” said Andrew Towle, partner at NGN. “We believe ClostraBio’s unique technologies will offer transformative solutions for individuals suffering from various gut health issues.”
Appointment of New Chief Scientific Officer
In addition to securing new investment, ClostraBio has appointed Brian Meehan, PhD, as its new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). Dr. Meehan holds a PhD in Microbiology from Tufts University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School. With over eight years of experience in the biotech sector, he has played a pivotal role in gut microbiome product development at Kaleido Biosciences and Pareto Bio.
As CSO, Dr. Meehan will lead ClostraBio’s scientific initiatives, focusing on the company’s first product launch. He will work closely with the team to commercialize CLB101™, a next-generation probiotic that mimics key elements of a healthy microbiome by continuously producing butyrate in the lower gut. This breakthrough probiotic will be marketed through U.S.-based dietary supplement companies that cater to healthcare practitioners specializing in gut health.
“I am thrilled to join ClostraBio at such an exciting time,” said Dr. Meehan. “The company’s research in microbiome innovation has the potential to transform the way we approach gut health. I look forward to collaborating with the team to bring CLB101™ to market and explore new applications for microbiome-based therapeutics.”
The University of Chicago’s Role in ClostraBio’s Growth
ClostraBio was founded in 2016 as a spin-out from the University of Chicago, which has been instrumental in the company’s development. With support from the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, ClostraBio secured investment from the George Shultz Innovation Fund in 2017 and was a finalist in the prestigious New Venture Challenge competition.
“Built on groundbreaking research from the University of Chicago, ClostraBio is making incredible strides in microbiome innovation,” said Samir Mayekar, Managing Director of the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “As ClostraBio prepares to launch its product later this year, we’re eager to see its continued growth and the impact it will make in the microbiome field.”
Future Growth and Expansion Plans
Currently operating out of Portal Innovations in Chicago, ClostraBio has grown to a team of five full-time employees and several fractional consultants. With the new investment and leadership team in place, the company plans to expand its pipeline of microbiome-related gut health solutions.
The CLB101™ probiotic will be launched under a commercial partner’s brand name, which remains undisclosed at this time. This launch marks an important step in ClostraBio’s mission to address the high unmet need for microbiome-based solutions for gut health.
“As we prepare for our first product launch, our focus remains on scaling our technology and building strategic partnerships,” said ClostraBio CEO. “We are committed to growing in Chicago and expanding our research to develop innovative solutions that improve gut health and overall well-being.”
With strong financial backing, an experienced leadership team, and a clear path to commercialization, ClostraBio is poised to make a significant impact in the field of microbiome health. As the company advances toward its 2025 launch, it remains dedicated to delivering groundbreaking solutions that promote better health through microbiome science.
