OpenBiome provides its 1000th treatment

With over 100 hospitals and clinics in OpenBiome’s network, more than 80% of the U.S. population is within a 4-hour drive of an OpenBiome partner

September 16, 2014
Contact: info@openbiome.org  |  617 575 2201  |  @OpenBiome
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Medford, MA – One year from its public launch, OpenBiome supplied its 1000th treatment for recurrent C. difficile infection via fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). OpenBiome has supported treatments in over 100 hospitals across 30 states. Patients have been receiving FMT using OpenBiome material since November 2013 via colonoscopy, nasogastric tube, and enema.

“This milestone represents a significant achievement in the advancement of safe access to FMT,” said James Burgess, co-founder and Executive Director.  “Still, with over 300,000 hospitalizations from C. difficile infection in the U.S. every year, there is much work to be done. OpenBiome has launched a campaign to help ensure that there is a provider of FMT in the 601 U.S. cities with over 50,000 residents one year from now.”

 “I cannot express the relief and gratitude I felt when my doctor told me about OpenBiome,” said Sarah, a patient who received an FMT using OpenBiome material in August 2014.  “Because I was able to have the transplant, I’m healthy.  I’m able to function again. Most importantly, I’ve regained my independence, which was an extremely difficult physical and emotional loss,” she added.

More patient and doctor testimonials are available at www.openbiome.org/patient-testimonials.

OpenBiome is a nonprofit stool bank dedicated to expanding safe access to fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) therapies. Founded by a team of microbiologists, public health advocates, and concerned citizens, OpenBiome aims to significantly reduce the practical barriers for clinicians providing FMTs, while connecting scientists across studies and disciplines.