Beyond the Symptoms | An Expert Interview Series by LUF | Live UTI Free
Beyond the Symptoms is an interview series by Live UTI Free (LUF) that explores the science, solutions, and stories behind pelvic health, UTIs, and chronic urinary infections.
Host Melissa Kramer engages in deep conversations with leading medical experts, researchers, and healthcare innovators who share breakthrough insights beyond conventional diagnoses and treatments.
Each episode uncovers cutting-edge research on biofilms, embedded infections, antibiotic resistance, and innovative diagnostic approaches while examining how these conditions impact quality of life. Whether you're a patient navigating recurrent UTIs, interstitial cystitis, or chronic pelvic pain, a healthcare practitioner seeking evidence-based approaches, or a curious mind interested in women's health advocacy, this podcast provides actionable information about complex pelvic health conditions.
Episodes feature world-renowned urologists, urogynecologists, researchers, and patient advocates sharing clinical insights and practical strategies.
Explore our comprehensive resources at liveutifree.com, find additional studies at linktr.ee/liveutifree, watch video interviews on YouTube (@LiveUTIFree), and join our supportive community on Instagram (@liveutifree).
Beyond the Symptoms | An Expert Interview Series by LUF | Live UTI Free
Anti-Biofilm Therapy for Chronic UTI | Prof. Begoña Heras and Dr. Jason Paxman with Live UTI Free
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If you've been stuck in a cycle of recurrent UTIs that antibiotics can't seem to clear, this episode is for you. Melissa sits down with Professor Bogoña Heras and Dr. Jason Paxman, structural biologists from La Trobe University in Australia and co-founders of BioBreak Therapeutics. They share the science behind a groundbreaking anti-biofilm antibody therapy designed specifically for chronic and recurrent UTIs. Unlike antibiotics, this approach doesn't kill bacteria directly. Instead, it dismantles the protective biofilm structures that allow bacteria like uropathogenic E. coli to hide, persist, and resist treatment. With new grant funding secured and preclinical research underway, human trials could be on the horizon within two years.
Key Takeaways
- Biofilms are the missing piece of the chronic UTI puzzle. Bacteria use a surface protein called antigen 43 to stick together and hide inside the bladder. BioBreak's therapy dismantles this structure, removing the protective coating so the immune system and antibiotics can clear the infection.
- This therapy is designed for people who have run out of options. It targets chronic and recurrent UTI, including multi-antibiotic resistant cases. It may also work as a monotherapy for people who can no longer tolerate antibiotics at all.
- Patient testimonials helped make this research happen. Over 350 stories from the Live UTI Free and Chronic UTI Australia communities supported BioBreak's successful grant application and are now shaping how the clinical trials will be designed.
Links & Resources
- BioBreak Therapeutics: hbsbiobreak.com
- Chronic UTI Australia: chronicutiaustralia.org.au
Want to learn more about urinary health? Visit LiveUTIFree.com for expert articles on the latest research, or check out our YouTube channel for a video format.
