DISEASE PROFILE
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a series of chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases, mainly including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Not only can IBD patients not be completely cured, but they will also have symptoms such as diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal pain and painful cramps, hematochezia, decreased appetite, and unexplained weight loss.
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
Currently we are working on the research and development of a new medication that could help improve the physical condition of IBD patients. This new product is a biologic that dampens an overactive immune system, which helps to block the inflammation and bring the body into remission. With this medication in capsules, it increases convenience as previous treatments are all injections. This low-cost product will be much affordable than previous treatments. We will continue to work hard to made this goal possible.
OUR MISSION
Using synthetic biology, we created IL-BP18 (Interlukin-18 Binding Protein) pills. Interlukin-18 is a potent proinflammatory cytokine that causes the emission of macrophages, which ultimately leads to the inflammation in the intestines. IL-BP18 can perfectly solve this problem by binding to the cytokine, which will
stop the emission of macrophages eventually ending the inflammation. Our company coded (specific gene) into E.coli so that it will constantly emits IL-BP1 that will be extracted into our pills for a chance of convenient medication for IBD patients.
ABOUT US
iGEM Team from SHSID
We are a team of senior school students from Shanghai High school International Division, we are gathered because of our shared interest of biology, in this iGEM contest, we are looking forward to collaborate with each other, and gain new
experiences in this time of discovery of science and collaborations.
