Professor Chen Tingtao of Nanchang University: Innovation Requires Patience, Entrepreneurship Needs Passion

As scientific research continues to deepen and public attention to health and wellness rises, probiotic products, as an emerging industry within the broader health sector, are receiving widespread attention from the industry.

In 2017, the global market size for probiotic products was approximately $36 billion, of whichThe market size of probiotic products in China is approximately RMB 45.5 billion, accounting for 18.6%.In the post-pandemic era, this figure has grown exponentially and is projected to reach RMB 89.6 billion.

Looking at the probiotics industry, beyond the highly watched food sector, Professor Chen Tingtao of Nanchang University and his team have opened up a brand-new track—“Probiotic Sexual Health”。

Relying on“Basic Research–Medical Evidence–Clinical Translation”...R&D pipeline, Professor Chen Tingtao’s team has developed a human vaginal microecological preparation based on probiotic cultures.

The team, based on “Bacterial Therapy“A series of applications of health care concepts, such as human lubricants and condoms, have all been tested in clinical settings:”Significant efficacy against HPV, BV, intrauterine adhesions, and endometritis。

Professor Chen Tingtao's TeamThe research has obtained multiple probiotic patent certifications. In 2021, the project’s core patent, “Method for Preparing Human Lubricant Based on Probiotic Cultures (ZL201710138119.9),” was selected for the First"High-Value Patent Project Library in the Biomedical Field"。

Leveraging this core patent, the team has developed multiple products. In 2022, a cooperation agreement was reached with Harbin Meihua Biotechnology Co., Ltd. The derivative products of the patent have already been launched on the market, and the annual sales are expected to exceed 100 million yuan.

It was during his graduate studies that Professor Chen Tingtao first entered the field of microbiology, forging an indissoluble bond with “microbes.”

From a “novice” in the field of microbiology to an “industry leader,” Professor Chen Tingtao’s professional ascent would not have been possible without the support of Nanchang University’s scientific research and educational resources. Indeed, for scientist-entrepreneurs, early-stage support from their affiliated academic institutions is essential.

So, what support did Nanchang University provide to Professor Chen Tingtao during the early stages of his research?

First, provide a free environment.. Established by Professor Xin Hongbo’s team at Nanchang UniversityInstitute of Translational Medicine, providing Chen Tingtao with ample research space and technical platform support. “When conducting scientific research, we had few concerns; the university granted us considerable freedom to explore various avenues.”

Next is to fill in the medical backgroundComing from a food science background, Chen Tingtao was an “outsider” to the field of medicine. Through one year of advanced study at the University of Pennsylvania and years of rigorous basic medical training at the Institute for Translational Medicine, he filled in his biomedical knowledge gaps and bridged the divide between food science and pharmaceutical research.

Finally, to fulfill their aspiration to lead a team independently.Opportunities always favor those who are prepared. Recognizing the promising prospects of biopharmaceuticals, Professor Chen Tingtao applied to the university and took the lead in establishing a microbiology team to delve deeply into this field. His team primarily focuses on two areas: natural strains and engineered strains.

This commitment led to several years of dedicated accumulation.

It is precisely based on the comprehensive support provided by Nanchang University that Professor Chen Tingtao’s team has been deeply engaged in basic research, developing and screening new bacterial strains, and exploring novel functions. To date,Published 144 research papers and granted more than 30 patents。

However, he remained dissatisfied with the pace of scientific research. Chen Tingtao candidly stated, “It is difficult to replicate in animal experiments the same effects observed in humans; the true merit of a study ultimately depends on its clinical application.” Consequently, he shifted his focus toward physicians and clinical practice.

Chen Tingtao further stated that although physicians devote substantial time to clinical practice, their research capabilities are relatively weak. His team, with its medical background and R&D expertise, is well-positioned to address this gap in clinical research.

Guided by the principle of complementary advantages, Professor Chen Tingtao quickly reached an agreement with the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, signing a cooperation agreement with its Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Subsequently, collaborations were successively established with the departments of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Oncology, Geriatrics, Psychiatry, Cardiology, Dermatology, and Orthopedics.

However, R&D innovation never stands still; Chen Tingtao’s team continues to forge ahead.

“Only problems that arise in clinical practice have practical value; nothing can be achieved through armchair speculation.” Professor Chen Tingtao believes that questions raised by clinicians hold significant real-world relevance and are strongly demand-driven.

“In response to clinical needs, Professor Chen Tingtao further advanced his animal studies. ‘High safety and favorable outcomes in clinical validation are far from sufficient for scientific research. Only through in-depth exploration at the animal or cellular level can we elucidate the mechanisms by which gut microbiota improve disease conditions, clarify the reasons behind their robust clinical efficacy, and truly realize the original goal of strong integration between basic science and clinical practice.’”

Thus, Chen Tingtao’s team shuttled between scientific research and clinical practice, delving into basic research and emphasizing evidence-based medicine, thereby laying the groundwork for their subsequentIntegration of Industry, Academia, Research, and Applicationlaid a solid foundation for the model of translating scientific research achievements into practical applications.

When discussing the commercialization of scientific research achievements, Professor Chen Tingtao stated, “I have always wanted to start a business, but I never took that step.”

For Professor Chen Tingtao, finding suitable partners and investment institutions may be a better option. The team led by him holds independent intellectual property rights for the R&D products and ensures their application effectiveness, while corporate partners leverage their extensive operational experience to help promote and market the products, allowing both parties to capitalize on their respective strengths.

“Given the current macro environment, it is relatively difficult for scientists to launch startups. Collaborating with enterprises is the approach to technology transfer I currently favor.”, said Chen Tingtao.

His collaboration with the enterprise stemmed from a stroke of serendipity.

At a conference, Professor Chen Tingtao met Qin Xiaodong, Deputy General Manager of Harbin Meihua Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a leading domestic probiotics enterprise. After in-depth discussions, Mr. Qin recognized that Professor Chen’s research achievements precisely addressed his company’s needs, while Professor Chen’s dedication to and pursuit of scientific excellence deeply impressed him. Shortly thereafter, Harbin Meihua officially appointed Professor Chen as its Technical Support Consultant.

Drawing on first-hand research data from the university, Professor Chen Tingtao provided Hamaihua with numerous constructive recommendations from a more forward-looking perspective, helping to resolve many practical application issues. Meanwhile, through his corporate appointments, Professor Chen also expanded his network of social resources.

Subsequently, Chen Tingtao’s team gradually established stable partnerships with enterprises such as Donghai Pharmaceutical, Zhongke Jiayi, Shanxing Biotechnology, Hangzhou Yuanda, and Shanghai Pharmaceuticals. Over the past three years, they have collectively brought to their partner companiesNew sales revenue of RMB 1.75 billion, with an additional profit of approximately RMB 450 million。

Currently, some of the R&D achievements of Chen Tingtao’s team have been transferred to enterprises, while others continue to be advanced by the team.

“We aim to collaborate with enterprises by providing them with scientific research outputs to build trust, striving to form a community of shared interests characterized by mutual assistance and long-term partnership.” These remarks by Professor Chen Tingtao reflect his longstanding commitment to fostering integration between food companies and pharmaceutical firms.

When selecting corporate partners, Professor Chen Tingtao places great emphasis on the integrity of the company’s leader and their sincere commitment to product excellence. “Contrary to what is portrayed on television, collaborating with reputable companies does not require social drinking or elaborate banquets; a simple meal of dumplings suffices.” Professor Chen’s expectations for his partners are modest yet genuine.

Results are often a manifestation of the process. It is precisely based on the mutual trust and shared development vision among Professor Chen Tingtao, his team, and the enterprise that channels for bringing “probiotics” to market have been successfully opened up.

On the fertile ground of China’s scientific and technological innovation, projects often face a common challenge from inception to commercialization: many researchers hold numerous patents but struggle to identify suitable candidates for commercial deployment. Professor Chen Tingtao has offered his solution to this issue, which is reflected in two key aspects:

The first aspect is track selection, with the core being to forge a new path.。

With a portfolio of hundreds of SCI-indexed papers, Professor Chen Tingtao’s team has also put forward numerous concepts and undertaken various trials to advance the “Probiotic Application” project. The team found that probiotic products can be applied to the four major microbial reservoirs in the human body—the skin, oral cavity, gut, and urogenital tract—though their efficacy varies across these sites.

In 2015, the gut microbiome application sector, characterized by surging popularity and intense competition, undoubtedly set a high barrier for small and medium-sized research teams, including Chen Tingtao’s team. Entering this field meant stepping onto a crowded track, where breaking through the pack to achieve“best in class”(Best-in-class) is no easy feat.

It is precisely for this reason that Chen Tingtao’s team decided to take a different approach in the application of probiotics for oral and vaginal health. Through collaboration with the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, while addressing clinical challenges, the team found that compared to the oral environment, the clinical use of probiotics for the vaginal environment is more rational and can ensure therapeutic efficacy.

Looking again at the domestic market, apart from Dingjunsheng Lactobacillus Capsules, there are no other probiotic products that focus on regulating vaginal flora. Moreover, the product’s key ingredient, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, is not currently recognized by the academic community as one of the dominant beneficial strains.

At this point, the exclusive track has unfolded beneath their feet. Chen Tingtao’s team swiftly launched its “probiotic sexual health technology” to market, with projected annual sales reaching hundreds of millions of yuan, rapidly positioning itself among the leaders in live-biotherapeutic drug R&D.“first in class”(Same category first) Tier.

The second aspect is pipeline layout, with the key being a multi-line strategy.

The Underlying Logics of Scientific Research and Commercial Operations Differ: One Pursues Rigor and Precision, While the Other Seeks Rapid Returns. The Clash Between These Two Mindsets Often Constitutes a Sharp Contradiction in the Translation of Scientific Achievements: How Should Sci-Tech Innovation Teams Find Balance Between Ultimate Rigor and Commercialization?

Professor Chen Tingtao candidly stated, “For startups, surviving the first three years is already a success,” while his team has found its own strategy through balancing—Leveraging short-, medium-, and long-term strategies in tandem, drive revenue with flagship products to pave the way for long-term research.

Currently, the probiotic condom and lubricant preparation technologies within the project have matured and are poised for market launch, attracting significant interest from corporate investors. The probiotic therapy product portfolio is extensive, spanning oral administration, topical delivery, and health devices. In contrast to oral medications, which are characterized by lengthy clinical trial periods and substantial upfront investment, the condom segment falls under Class II medical devices.Offers efficiency advantages in reaching the market.

In its short-, medium-, and long-term multi-line strategic layout, Chen Tingtao’s team demonstrates its vision for the probiotic therapeutics industry, leveraging naturally sourced “Bacterial Therapy“The philosophy” permeates every aspect of disease treatment and daily healthcare. Among these efforts, probiotic-based health devices represent merely the first successful step taken by Chen Tingtao’s team toward industrialization. Meanwhile, more in-depth research has been able to continue, supported by ample funding.

Chen Tingtao said:“As a scientist, regardless of success or failure, one should always produce something.”

“A single thread cannot make a cord; a lone tree cannot form a forest.”Whether a specific track in the sci-tech innovation sector can attract more talent, capital, and favorable national policies determines its potential for successful industrialization, thereby providing a safety net that enables more research teams and startups to collaborate and drive progress.

In a nutshell, China’s “microbial” industry needs to take root in the broader ecosystem.

Compared with developed countries in the West and elsewhere, China’s probiotic industry has grown rapidly but still faces many long-standing challenges. Key pain points—including a scarcity of strains with independent intellectual property rights, insufficient production capacity and inconsistent product quality due to outdated manufacturing processes, and particularly the lack of high-quality clinical evidence for probiotics—are significantly hindering the current development of China’s probiotic industry.

Therefore, streamlining the technological innovation pathway—from strain resource discovery and technological advancement to clinical evidence-based validation and commercialization of results—and breaking down the current intellectual property, technical, regulatory, and financial barriers facing probiotics have become imperative for building China’s probiotic industry.

Professor Chen Tingtao explained that addressing such issues requires not only favorable macro-level policies but also the leadership of pioneering enterprises like Huawei, which must deliver tangible results in three key areas: strain patentability, efficacy, and the robustness of clinical evidence.

For this very reason, Professor Chen Tingtao will also continue to participate in2022 2nd Biomedical High-Value Patent Project Selection,We hope to leverage this platform to bring together more teams for probiotic research, attract greater corporate attention to and development of probiotic products, and accelerate the rapid growth of China’s probiotic industry.

China’s probiotic market is vast. Natural strains enjoy high public recognition in natural products, including foods, health supplements, and foods for special medical purposes (FSMP). Engineered strains, which combine the benefits of natural strains with therapeutic efficacy and align with the “single drug, single target” paradigm, hold significant promise. Each approach has its own advantages. In such a broad landscape, China’s probiotic industry is poised to foster more robust and ambitious probiotic enterprises.