Alexander Khoruts, MD

Alexander Khoruts, MD, is the Medical Director of the University of Minnesota Microbiota Therapeutics Program. This multidisciplinary program, that brings together clinical and basic science expertise, has been one of the leaders in the field of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).  Some of the accomplishments include a number of firsts, including demonstration that FMT results into engraftment of donor distal gut microbial communities into recipients suffering from multiple recurrent C. difficile infection, publication of a standardized protocol of fecal microbiota preparation and cryopreservation, and securing an IND from the FDA for a clinical trial with FMT.  The Microbiota Therapeutics program is continuing to deliver care for patients suffering with C. difficile infections.  Some of the major current research directions include development of next generation microbiota therapeutics, understanding the mechanisms of FMT in treatment of C. difficile infections, and treatment of metabolic syndrome.

Dr. Khoruts trained in gastroenterology and basic immunology at the University of Minnesota.  His early research career was focused on the basic biology of regulatory T cells and lymphocyte homeostasis. His current primary clinical focus continues to be patients with C. difficile infections.