Scioto Biosciences

Scioto Biosciences, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company established in 2017, focusing on the burgeoning field of microbiome therapeutics to address diseases linked to the gut-brain axis. The company was co-founded by CEO Joe Trebley, PhD, and CFO Jim Schulz, CPA. Trebley contributes over 15 years of experience in early-stage asset development, including his time as Head of Startups at Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation, where he helped launch over 25 companies. This experience led him to co-found Monon Bioventures, a venture creation firm that partnered with The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital to form Scioto.

The company's foundational technology originated from research at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Initially, the research aimed to find treatments for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening intestinal condition affecting premature infants. During development, the team observed that their microbiome technology also had neuroprotective effects, which expanded the company's mission to include neurodevelopmental disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This dual focus addresses significant unmet needs in both neonatal care and neurodevelopmental health.

Scioto's core asset is its proprietary Activated Bacterial Therapeutics (ABT) delivery platform. This technology enhances the efficacy of live bacterial therapeutics by delivering them in a biofilm state. This approach protects the beneficial bacteria as they pass through the gastrointestinal system, enabling them to better colonize the gut, persist, and exert their therapeutic effects. This method is designed to be superior to standard over-the-counter probiotics, which often have low survival rates in the gut.

The company's lead product candidate, SB-121, is a formulation based on the beneficial bacterium *Lactobacillus reuteri*. It is being developed primarily for two indications: improving core symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder and preventing necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. SB-121 is designed for easy administration and can be mixed with common liquids. Scioto has completed a Phase Ib clinical trial for SB-121 in adults with ASD, which showed positive safety and efficacy signals, and is preparing for a larger Phase II study. The company operates on a standard biotech business model, focusing on R&D and progressing its candidates through the clinical trial and regulatory approval process to bring new therapies to market. The company has successfully raised significant capital to fund these efforts, including a $1.8M Series A in 2018 and a substantial $26.5M Series B in 2020 led by Genome & Company, a South Korean biotech firm that now holds a majority stake.

Keywords: microbiome therapeutics, gut-brain axis, Activated Bacterial Therapeutics, SB-121, necrotizing enterocolitis, Autism Spectrum Disorder, live bacterial therapeutics, clinical-stage biotech, Joe Trebley, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Lactobacillus reuteri, GI disorders, probiotic delivery, neurodevelopmental disorders, biofilm, Monon Bioventures, Genome & Company, gut health, therapeutic bacteria, central nervous system disorders