The European Patent Office (EPO) has granted patent EP3134509B1, which covers methods for modulating fat storage in a subject by altering the population levels of Christensenellaceae in the gastrointestinal tract. The patent lists Ruth E. Ley, Julia Goodrich, and Jillian Waters as inventors and was granted on March 18, 2026. This patent falls under IPC classification C12N (Microbiology, genetics and molecular biology), specifically C12N 1/20, and relates to the field of biotechnology and its application in health.

This patent grant signifies a new intellectual property right in the area of gut microbiome therapeutics for metabolic health. While patents do not impose direct compliance obligations on regulated entities in the same way as rules or guidance, they define the scope of exclusive rights for the patent holder. Companies operating in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, particularly those researching or developing microbiome-based therapies for obesity or related conditions, should be aware of this patent to avoid potential infringement. The designated states cover a broad range of European countries, indicating the patent's territorial scope within the EU.