G-NiiB Happy Child Formula
Overview
Developed by CUHK, G-NiiB Happy Child Formula is a novel synbiotic targeting the gut microbiome. Formulated using faecal metagenomics and clinical data, it combines specific probiotics and prebiotics. It aims to alleviate sensory hypersensitivity, anxiety, and digestive issues in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by modulating the gut-brain axis, promoting mental and digestive wellness.
Commercialisation opportunities
G-NiiB Happy Child formula is now commercially available in Hong Kong, Macau and China.
Problem addressed
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with rising prevalence, high societal costs, and no cure. Core symptoms include social deficits and repetitive behaviors. A significant unmet need exists for effective treatments targeting underlying pathophysiology, particularly the disturbed gut microbiome and associated GABA dysfunction linked to sensory issues and anxiety.
Innovation
- Scientifically formulated using CUHK’s proprietary faecal metagenomics and clinical data, targeting specific microbiome dysbiosis observed in ASD children.
- Unique blend of 4 probiotic species (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus) and 3 prebiotics, including a key GABA-producing bacteria.
- Specifically designed to modulate the gut-brain axis, enhancing microbial GABA production and receptor interaction to address core neurological mechanisms in ASD.
Key impact
- Pilot study (n=30) demonstrated significant alleviation of anxiety, sensory hypersensitivity, and functional abdominal pain in ASD children.
- Addresses underlying GABA deficiency and receptor dysfunction implicated in ASD sensory and anxiety symptoms via the gut-brain axis.
- Offers a novel and safe therapeutic strategy targeting a key modifiable environmental factor, the gut microbiome, in ASD.
- Potential for broad application beyond ASD to enhance mental and digestive wellness in all children globally.
Award
- International Invention Fair in the Middle East (IIFME 2025) - Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury
- International Invention Fair in the Middle East (IIFME 2025) - Special Prize Awarded by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva - Gold Medal with Congratulations of the Jury
Application
- Alleviates sensory hypersensitivity, anxiety, and digestive issues in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by modulating the gut-brain axis, promoting mental and digestive wellness.
- Broad application beyond ASD to enhance mental and digestive wellness in all children globally.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)
Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a forward-looking comprehensive research university with a global vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. CUHK teachers and students hail from all around the world. Four Nobel laureates are associated with the university, and it is the only tertiary institution in Hong Kong with recipients of the Nobel Prize, Turing Award, Fields Medal and Veblen Prize sitting as faculty in residence. CUHK graduates are connected worldwide through an extensive alumni network. CUHK undertakes a wide range of research programmes in many subject areas, and strives to provide scope for all academic staff to undertake consultancy and collaborative projects with industry.
Enquiry
