Dirk Gevers, Ph.D., Global Head, Microbiome Solutions, World Without Disease Accelerator
Richard Insel, M.D, Global Head, Healthy Baby Initiative, World Without Disease Accelerator
The incidence and prevalence of pediatric immunity-related conditions—from food allergy to type 1 diabetes—has increased over recent decades.1-3 Researchers, clinicians, and policymakers are trying to identify potential underlying causes for this phenomenon to prevent and intercept these diseases. In particular, the World Without Disease Accelerator (WWDA), an R&D group within Janssen Research and Development, LLC, one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, is pursuing science related to the infant gut microbiota, which is thought to play a key role in the development of pediatric allergic and autoimmune diseases.
Starting with a Single Step
The infant microbiome is shaped by external factors that begin in utero.4 These factors include mode of delivery, maternal and pediatric diet composition (e.g., breast milk vs. cow’s milk formula) and ...
