The results of the pioneering research project “The Polish Microbiome Map”, conducted by the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry PAS in collaboration with Ardigen S.A., were acquired at the end of September 2025 by Onebiome Sp. z o.o. This is the first large-scale collection of microbiological and genetic data describing the Polish population, marking a milestone in the commercial application of microbiome knowledge in diagnostics and personalized medicine.

A new level of microbiome knowledge based on the Polish population

The “Polish Microbiome Map” project aimed to create a comprehensive, reference dataset on the gut bacterial flora of Polish residents – covering both healthy individuals and oncology patients undergoing immunotherapy. This unique national dataset integrates:

• microbiological data (microbiome),
• genetic data,
• and phenotypic data.

The research material collected holds immense scientific and industrial value, serving as a benchmark for future clinical and developmental studies in gut health.

It enables in-depth understanding of the role of gut microbiota in health and disease, as well as the development of personalized therapies, probiotics, and diagnostics based on microbiome characterization.

The role of project partners: science and technology

The Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry PAS was responsible for the research and experimental components – participant recruitment, biological sample collection and processing, and laboratory analyses (including genetic and metagenomic sequencing). Thanks to the scientific expertise and infrastructure of IBCH PAS, it was possible to build a representative dataset of the Polish population.

Ardigen S.A. acted as the technological partner: it developed the bioinformatics infrastructure, conducted metagenomic data analyses, integrated multi-omics datasets, and designed analytical protocols enabling further expansion of the database (e.g., with data from oncology patients).

“The Polish Microbiome Map is not just a dataset – it’s a ready-to-use platform for developing diagnostic and therapeutic products based on population-level data. We are proud that Ardigen played a key role in building this knowledge base”, commented Dr. Kaja Milanowska-Zabel, Ardigen.

Moving toward implementation: Onebiome acquires the project results

The acquisition of the research results by Onebiome marks the first step toward their commercial use.

“For us, this is a symbolic moment – the outcomes of a scientific project that has expanded knowledge about the Polish microbiome over the past few years are now finding real-world applications. This is the ‘second life’ of the Polish Microbiome Map – the transition from science to tangible products that support health and prevention”, said Prof. Paweł Łabaj, co-founder and board member of Onebiome.

The research and development results acquired by Onebiome will be used to develop innovative services and products, including personalized microbiome analysis, biobanking, and long-term monitoring of gut microbiota changes. This will enable the translation of scientific knowledge into clinical and consumer practice – supporting both preventive healthcare and personalized nutrition.

In particular, the Polish Microbiome Map will allow the company to adapt its baseline models to the Polish population and to develop reference ranges that better reflect its specific characteristics. Overall, this will enhance the quality of recommendations offered through Onebiome’s BioMe Control and Base products.

The Polish Microbiome Map represents:

• the first comprehensive tool of its kind for scientists and biomedical companies in Poland,
• a reference point for studies on the role of the microbiome in various diseases, and a foundation for future products in diagnostics, personalized medicine, and microbiome-based therapies.

“Each of us carries an ecosystem more complex than a tropical jungle – only hidden in our gut. Through the Polish Microbiome Map, we have, for the first time, catalogued this microcosm at the population level. Now, this knowledge is no longer confined to scientific publications. It begins to serve patients, doctors, and innovators. This is true translation of science into reality”.

– Prof. Anna Philips, IBCH PAS, Project Leader.

The project was financed by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) under the program POIR.04.01.02-00-0025/17, within a cross-sector partnership bridging science and industry. Its results demonstrate the effectiveness of collaboration between a PAN research institute, a technology company, and a commercial entity. The total project value was PLN 6,330,702.84, with PLN 5,594,334.98 in NCBR funding.