Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic relapsing inflammation that damages the intestinal mucosa. Current therapeutics generally risk major side effects such as immunosuppression and lack the ability to encourage tissue regeneration. Dysregulation of the epithelial cell barrier coincides with profound shifts in metabolic energy, especially in the colon. A research team led by Dr. Sean Colgan identified hypoxanthine supplementation as a mechanism to improve barrier function and wound healing. Leveraging this discovery, the team developed a novel gastrointestinal therapeutic with genetically modified bacteria that overproduce hypoxanthine to reduce inflammation and promote mucosal repair. In-vitro data support the therapy’s ability to repair damaged intestinal cell barriers as well as encourage epithelial wound closure. In-vivo data demonstrates significant protection against colon shortening and weight loss in a murine colitis model. This next generation oral probiotic therapeutic represents a paradigm shift in the current strategies of targeting and preventing disorders and diseases related to the inflammation of gastrointestinal mucosa with a convenient delivery method.