Oligosaccharide Composition for Infant Respiratory Infection Prevention

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preventing and treating infections and inflammations of the lower respiratory tract and ear in infants and young children are inadequate, particularly due to antibiotic resistance and the need for alternative, non-pharmaceutical interventions that are safe, effective, and easily deliverable.

Innovation Solution

A nutritional composition comprising specific amounts of fucosylated oligosaccharides and N-acetylated oligosaccharides, such as 2′-fucosyllactose and lacto-N-neotetraose, which synergistically address these health conditions by reducing fever and minimizing antibiotic and antipyretic use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antibiotics are prescribed for lower respiratory tract infections, then bacterial infections are treated, but antibiotic resistance emerges and treatment effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Human milk oligosaccharides act as an intermediary substance that modulates the immune system and prevents pathogen attachment, providing an alternative mechanism to antibiotics for treating respiratory tract infections while avoiding resistance development

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of pathogen attachment and immune system overreaction into a beneficial outcome by using oligosaccharides to block pathogen binding and regulate immune response, thereby preventing infection without using antibiotics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Ease of operation

If conventional treatments are used for respiratory infections, then symptoms are managed, but the underlying immune deficiency in infants remains unaddressed

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by administering human milk oligosaccharides to infants before they encounter pathogens, thereby pre-strengthening their immune system and preventing infections rather than merely treating symptoms after they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of immune system maturity by introducing oligosaccharides that promote the development of immune functions, effectively maturing the infant's immune defence capability to better resist respiratory tract infections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If antibiotics are used as first-line treatment, then bacterial infections are addressed, but viral infections remain untreated and side effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using human milk oligosaccharides that provide multi-functional protection against both bacterial and viral respiratory tract infections, as well as ear infections, replacing the need for antibiotic-specific treatments and reducing side effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11229658B2Compositions for use in the prevention or treatment of otitis or bronchitis in infants or young children

Publication Date: 2022.01.25

AI summary

The present invention relates to a nutritional composition comprising at least one fucosylated oligosaccharide and at least one N-acetylated oligosaccharide in particular amounts, for use in preventing and/or treating infections and/or inflammations of the lower respiratory tract and/or of the ear in an infant or a young child.