INFORM are delighted to announce the funding award for a Feasibility Study  Project ”A Double blind, placebo controlled 6- week pre-operative randomised clinical trial of a microbiome modulator “WellBiome” versus placebo on cardiac surgical outcomes and NHS cost savings”, led by Dr James Hobkirk.

Project Team:

Dr James Hobkirk, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (PI)
Dr Sofia Kolida, Optibiotix Health PLC

This project targets the significant clinical and operational challenges associated with cardiac surgery recovery within the NHS. Older adults undergoing major cardiac procedures often experience prolonged hospital stays, postoperative complications, and heightened inflammation—all of which contribute to substantial healthcare burden and costs. Emerging evidence suggests that poor gut microbiome resilience before surgery may worsen recovery outcomes.

Project Aims:

The study aims to:

  • Conduct a double-blind, placebo-controlled pre-operative clinical trial to evaluate whether six weeks of supplementation with the microbiome modulator WellBiome improves cardiac surgery outcomes.

  • Assess key clinical endpoints, including ICU time, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay.

  • Measure microbiome diversity, systemic inflammation, and cardiovascular risk markers to understand biological mechanisms.

  • Evaluate NHS cost savings using validated health-economic analysis.

  • Collect patient feedback and utilise sample data to inform future prebiotic product development.

Potential Impact:

This project has significant scientific, clinical, and commercial potential. It will generate the first RCT evidence on using pre-operative prebiotics to improve cardiac surgical outcomes, addressing a major gap in recovery research. Findings could show reductions in complications, hospital stay, and NHS costs, supporting wider adoption of microbiome-based interventions.

The study will also guide the development of next-generation WellBiome products by identifying beneficial bacterial strains, strengthen NHS–industry leadership in microbiome-focused surgical optimisation, and provide a foundation for larger trials across multiple surgical specialities.