About AmebaGone
Founded in 2010, we're pioneering innovative biocontrol solutions using the natural predatory behavior of Dictyostelium discoideum amoebae. Our groundbreaking technology offers a sustainable alternative to traditional antibiotics in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Our Mission
AmebaGone is a biotechnology company founded in 2010, dedicated to commercializing a groundbreaking approach to biocontrol by leveraging the natural predatory behavior of amoebae, specifically Dictyostelium discoideum (Dicty), to combat disease-causing microbes.
Innovative Biotechnology
Our technology harnesses the natural predatory behavior of Dicty amoebae to provide a safer way to control pathogenic microbes.
Our Story
The core technology behind AmebaGone was developed by founder Marcin Filutowicz and Katarzyna Borys at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Recognizing the potential of amoebae as antimicrobial agents, they established AmebaGone to bring this innovative solution into the healthcare mainstream. In 2018, they expanded their vision by founding a sister company, AgraFilms, which applies amoebic biocontrol in agriculture, enhancing crop safety and storage efficiency.
AmebaGone and AgraFilms hold broad U.S. and EU patents protecting multiple uses of Dicty in medicine, agriculture, and industry. They are the only two firms globally that have developed Dicty-derived products as antimicrobial agents.
Why It Matters
Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to public health. According to the CDC's 2019 Antibiotic Resistance Threat Report, over 35,000 deaths occur annually in the U.S. due to 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections.
MRSA Impact
MRSA accounts for 60% of staph infections, can lead to up to 20,000 deaths each year, and adds approximately $20,000 in excess costs per patient.
Hospital Stays
Antimicrobial-resistant infections extend hospital stays by an average of 10 days, increasing healthcare costs and patient suffering.
Traditional broad-spectrum antibiotics are increasingly ineffective against such resistant strains. AmebaGone addresses this challenge by employing Dicty amoebae that naturally consume bacterial biofilms for growth and reproduction, offering a targeted and efficient method to treat infections and enhance hospital safety.
How It Works
Spore Germination
Dormant Dicty spores rapidly germinate into active amoebae upon encountering bacterial pathogens.
Targeted Hunting
The amoebae replicate in the presence of their specific bacterial prey, initiating a targeted hunting process.
Pathogen Elimination
The amoebae digest the targeted pathogens, effectively eliminating the infection.
Key Advantages
Specificity
Dicty amoebae can be tailored to target individual pathogenic cells, minimizing collateral damage to beneficial microbes.
Effectiveness
Proven efficacy against various pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA.
Safety
Naturally occurring and safe for humans, animals, and plants; they do not trigger an immune response.
Resilience
Spores can survive extreme environmental conditions, ensuring stability and longevity.
Self-Limiting
The amoebae do not persist in the body once their task is complete, reducing the risk of unintended consequences.
Convenience
Long shelf life of dormant spores simplifies storage and transportation.
AmebaGone's approach represents a significant advancement in the fight against antimicrobial resistance, offering a targeted, effective, and safe alternative to traditional antibiotics.