SINGAPORE, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Akesis Biologics, a biotechnology spin-off from the National University of Singapore (NUS), has officially launched its flagship gut health product, MastGut — a pioneering supplement that delivers therapeutic protection directly to the gut. Built on years of academic research and published findings in Nature Oncogene, MastGut brings an innovative approach to the consumer health space: using probiotic delivery of the DUSP10^[1] enzyme to reduce gut inflammation and support long-term colorectal health.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, and gut inflammation is on the rise in modern lifestyles. MastGut is developed with a novel, science-inspired approach grounded in academic research, aiming to support overall gut wellness through carefully selected ingredients..

"Most people think of probiotics as general digestive aids," says Prof. Zhang Yongliang, Co-founder and CEO of Akesis. "MastGut takes it much further. We intend to deliver an active functional protein that regulates inflammation and suppresses tumor-promoting enzyme activities — all using a probiotic vehicle."

What is DUSP10 ^[1] ? A Scientific Breakthrough in Gut Health

Unlike traditional supplements that rely on herbs or general bacterial strains, MastGut uses Lactococcus lactis, a food-grade probiotic commonly found in fermented dairy, as a delivery vehicle, to transport an enzyme known to reduce inflammation and suppress overactive cellular signalling underlying the development of colorectal cancer.

This innovative method allows DUSP10 to be directly absorbed by intestinal cells, where it gets to work — without colonizing the gut.

A Scientific Approach to Everyday Wellness

DUSP10's function is well documented in cancer biology. Studies show that it acts as a brake on the MAPK pathway, a chain of molecular signals often overactivated in gut inflammation and cancer. In knockout mouse models, loss of DUSP10 led to increased tumor formation and gut damage. In contrast, higher expression of DUSP10 in human patients has been linked to better colorectal cancer outcomes.

MastGut harnesses this science in a consumer-friendly format: a daily capsule that delivers the benefits of DUSP10 safely and effectively.

"This isn't just another supplement. MastGut sits at the intersection of therapeutic treatment and nutritional science," says Dr. Chin Wen Png, Co-founder and CTO of Akesis. "It's for people who care about long-term gut health, cancer risk management, and the science behind what they put in their body."

A New Frontier in Gut & Cancer Prevention

MastGut represents a breakthrough in the way we think about preventive healthcare. By harnessing protein science to address inflammation and tumor suppression, it has the potential to benefit millions living with digestive discomfort, chronic inflammation, or increased colorectal cancer risk.

"We are proud to see the launch of MastGut by Akesis Biologics, an NUS spin-off nurtured through our Graduate Research Innovation Programme (GRIP). This achievement underscores how NUS Enterprise's support and mentorship can transform cutting-edge research into impactful, real-world solutions. Akesis Biologics' successful journey from lab to market exemplifies our ongoing commitment to nurturing deep tech ventures and empowering them to create meaningful societal impact," said Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, Vice President (Ecosystem Building), NUS Enterprise.

Akesis Biologics is currently engaging with hospitals, pharmacies, and research partners to broaden MastGut's access and impact across Asia and beyond.

About Akesis Biologics

Founded by leading scientists from NUS, Akesis Biologics is a Singapore-based biotech company focused on development of products to improve gut health. With expertise in inflammation, cancer biology, and clinical translation, Akesis aims to bridge the gap between academic innovation and practical health solutions. MastGut is the company's first commercial product, backed by years of R&D, IP protection, and real-world applicability.

Reference:

^[1]Png, C.W., Weerasooriya, M., Guo, J., James, S.J., Poh, H.M., Osato, M., Flavell, R.A., Dong, C., Yang, H., and Zhang, Y. 2016. DUSP10 regulates intestinal epithelial cell growth and colorectal tumorigenesis. Oncogene 35:206-17. PMID: 25772234