By Crystal Carter, Texas A&M Innovation – October 8, 2024
Jan Suchodolski, Ph.D. is a professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS). He has developed technology that focuses on enhancing canine and feline gut health by detecting chronic GI disease. Dr. Suchodolski, a pioneering inventor whose technology is exclusively licensed through The Texas A&M University System, exemplifies Texas A&M’s commitment to leveraging innovation for the future.
Dr. Jan Suchodolski, a renowned researcher at Texas A&M University, is pioneering the future of veterinary medicine with cutting-edge technology focused on enhancing the gut health of companion animals. The technology “A Fecal Dysbiosis Index for Assessment of Fecal Microbiota in Dogs” developed with co-inventors, Mustafa Alshawaqfeh, Bilal Wajid, Jonathan Lidbury, Joerg Steiner, and Erchin Serpedin, is at the center of an exclusive license between The Texas A&M University System and IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. The Dysbiosis Index (DI) is a rapid PCR-based assay that quantifies the abundances of 8 bacterial groups and summarizes them in one single number. Suchodolski’s technology addresses one of the most pressing challenges in veterinary medicine—early detection of chronic GI diseases in pets. By developing diagnostic tools that can identify markers of intestinal dysfunction before the disease becomes advanced, his research is poised to significantly improve the management of gut health in companion animals.
Revolutionizing Gut Health for Pets
Chronic GI diseases can severely impact the quality of life for both pets and their owners, often going undetected until symptoms become severe. Dr. Suchodolski’s innovative approach combines years of clinical research with advanced benchtop techniques to develop more effective diagnostic tools. This allows veterinarians to catch diseases earlier, when therapeutic interventions like dietary changes or probiotics are most effective in slowing or preventing progression. “Innovation excites me because every day there are new ideas that can be followed up,” said Suchodolski. “Being able to find new strategies that can have a direct impact on an animal is something that keeps me excited.”
The connection between real-world cases and laboratory research ensures that discoveries are practical and have a direct impact on improving animal health. Suchodolski is particularly energized by the potential to apply his findings in ways that can be quickly adopted by veterinarians, bringing new hope to pets suffering from chronic conditions.
Next 5-Year Research Goals: Focusing on Early Detection and Intervention
Looking ahead, Dr. Suchodolski’s research over the next five years will focus on identifying novel markers for chronic intestinal disorders in companion animals. “We want to catch the disease early before lasting changes occur,” he explains. “This early detection is critical, as it provides the best opportunity for effective intervention.”
By concentrating on diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, including dietary adjustments and microbiome modulation, Suchodolski aims to prevent or slow the progression of intestinal diseases. His research will prioritize finding biomarkers that can detect early-stage dysfunction, giving veterinarians the tools they need to intervene with targeted therapies before the disease becomes irreversible.
“To identify novel markers for chronic intestinal disorders in companion animals is our goal,” he said. “Special focus will be on early detection of intestinal dysfunction, as we want to catch the disease early before lasting changes occur. In early-stage disease, we can likely intervene better with different therapeutics like diet and probiotics, and hopefully prevent the progression of disease or at least slow it down.”
The Future of Innovation: What Excites Dr. Suchodolski
For Dr. Suchodolski, the future of innovation lies in the convergence of clinical practice and research, where new ideas are rapidly tested and translated into tangible benefits for animals. “Innovation excites me because experiences from clinical cases and studies are combined with benchtop research,” he said. “And hopefully, after several years, we can find new diagnostic tools and therapies that will be utilized by practitioners in the field.”
The technology Suchodolski and his co-inventors have developed exemplifies The Texas A&M University System’s dedication to innovation in veterinary science, reflecting its commitment to addressing critical health issues faced by companion animals. The system’s focus on creating practical, research-driven solutions not only advances the field of veterinary medicine but also positions Texas A&M as a leader in animal health innovation globally.
Photo by Jason Nitsch ’14, Texas A&M University Division of Marketing and Communications
Texas A&M Innovation promotes an innovative and entrepreneurial culture among A&M’s research community and uses a rigorous process to guide projects from new innovations through market commercialization. We encourage industry partnerships, support startups and entrepreneurial commercialization, make connections to mentors, funding, and other critical resources to accelerate commercialization of System IP. Through our work we strive to promote regional economic development, and ultimately impact the lives of people locally, nationally and globally.