Investor News

VIB spin-off MRM Health reports positive preclinical results in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

MRM Health is a VIB spin-off founded in 2020 by Sam Possemiers in a joint venture with VIB. Using a 9-strain bacterial consortium, MRM Health’s laboratories led by Dr. Salvador Augustin and Dr. Maria Martell of the University Hospital of Vall d’Hebron were able to slow down disease progression in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Preclinical results show that a live bacterial consortium of 9 rationally selected gut commensal strains were able to improve portal hypertension, insulin signaling, and NAFLD activity score. Additionally, the consortium helped prevent fibrosis development in two different in vivo disease models of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), improving endothelial functions and rebalancing the gut microbiome.

Lies Vanneste

Lies Vanneste

Investor Relations Manager, VIB

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Researchers discover clues for Alzheimer’s disease in hibernation

Researchers discover clues for Alzheimer’s disease in hibernation

Leuven, 12 November 2026 – Researchers at VIB and KU Leuven have discovered that hibernation triggers changes in brain cells that partially resemble those in Alzheimer’s disease. Studying golden hamsters, the team identified changes in gene expression across the hibernation cycle, which resemble those associated with the accumulation of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s. The findings, published in Science Advances, suggest that some early cellular changes associated with Alzheimer’s may also occur as part of a natural adaptive response, offering new ways to study the disease for therapy development.

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An inside look at a molecular switch that triggers inflammation

An inside look at a molecular switch that triggers inflammation

Ghent, 9 November 2026 – Researchers at VIB and Ghent University have uncovered how an important driver of inflammation is activated at the molecular level. Their findings, published in Science Immunology, also explain how a medicine used to treat a severe form of psoriasis blocks this inflammatory signal.

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Researchers uncover why humans are more sensitive than other species to a brain developmental disease

Researchers uncover why humans are more sensitive than other species to a brain developmental disease

Leuven, 4 November 2026 – Researchers at VIB and KU Leuven have uncovered how mutations in the ASPM gene disrupt the development of neural stem cells that help the human brain grow. This disruption explains how these mutations cause microcephaly, a condition characterized by an abnormally small brain and head, often accompanied by intellectual disability. The discovery, published in Developmental Cell, also sheds light on how differences in brain development can make humans more susceptible to certain genetic conditions than other mammals.

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About VIB Press

VIB is an independent research institute that translates insights in biology into impactful innovations for society. Collaborating with the five Flemish universities, it conducts research in plant biology, cancer, neuroscience, microbiology, inflammatory diseases, artificial intelligence and more. VIB connects science with entrepreneurship and stimulates the growth of the Flemish biotech ecosystem. The institute contributes to solutions for societal challenges such as new methods for diagnostics and treatments, as well as innovations for agriculture. 

Learn more at www.vib.be.

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