The next generation of medicine may not come in a pill or vial — but in a living community of microbes. Scientists at Pharmabiome, a Zurich-based biotechnology company, are leveraging their expertise in microbiome research to create truly “living” therapies.

More Than a Gut Feeling

All around us – and inside –exists an entire universe of microscopic organisms commonly referred to as the microbiome. In fact, our body contains more microbes than human cells, working hand in hand to maintain normal physiology. The most heavily colonized part of our body is our gastrointestinal (GI) tract – our gut – housing thousands of different bacteria, viruses and fungi. Collectively termed ‘gut microbiota’, this complex network of microorganisms helps us digest nutrients, produces essential metabolites, protects us against pathogens, and more.

The diverse species in our GI tract co-exist in a dynamic equilibrium, each fulfilling a defined set of functions and interacting with other species through cross-feeding mechanisms that, together, promote gut health. When this delicate balance is perturbed, be it through dietary changes, antibiotic treatments, or other factors, the effect ripples across the body. Increasing evidence suggests that gut dysbiosis actively contributes to pathological conditions ranging from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and obesity to neurological and autoimmune disorders. The good news is, as our understanding of gut ecology evolves, so does the potential to harness and reshape the microbiome to improve health.