Arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides (AXOS) as innovative medical food to co-treat diabetes

Important results from the project

The goal was to investigate to which extent a new version of AXOS can contribute to better intestinal health and reduce side effects of metformin treatment and improved clinical effect of type 2 diabetes treatment. The purpose of the laboratory-scale trials (step 1) was to develop optimal conditions for the production process. The scaling up (step 2), carried out by Carbiotix AB, increases the capacity and quality of the product. In the intervention study, in collaboration with Region Skåne (step 3), the clinical effects of CarbiAOXS in diabetes type 2 patients are investigated.

Expected long term effects

An efficient process was developed on a laboratory scale. Alkaline extraction followed by partial enzymatic hydrolysis gave high yields of oligosaccharides with expected positive health effects. Some combinations of enzymes produced synergistic effects. The upscaling increased the capacity and also created a better quality in the product as the industrial machines are specifically adapted to our process. The clinical trial is ongoing and at least 50 patients have started the trial. The analyzes of clinical parameters and gut bacteria will be done when all samples are collected.

Approach and implementation

On a laboratory scale, different methods were tested for the extraction of hemicellulose from corn bran. The extracted material was treated with one or more enzymes. Obtained products containing oligosaccharides were analyzed by liquid chromatography. When scaling up, the decanter does a more efficient job of separating materials than on a lab scale. The tanks used are adapted to the temperature changes, mixing speed and capacity that our process needs. The clinical study, approved by the Ethics Review Authority, is ongoing. Blood samples and stool samples are collected.