Our bodies are filled with millions of strains of bacteria, some that help and some that hinder. Although science has been interested in the microbiota for several decades, research into how these bacteria can both help prevent and cause diseases is now taking off.
Biotechs, both public and private, are focused on harnessing the microbiome to treat disease. Big pharma has shown its interest by pouring dollars into the space. Although still a relatively young therapeutic area, the microbiome is poised to deliver its first potentially marketable compounds for diseases of the gut. Research into other disease areas like oncology is gathering momentum as well.
With excitement building, BioPharma Dive took a closer look at the direction of microbiome research, who's paying for what, how diagnostics are leading the charge and the role these little organisms could play in immuno-oncology. Read on:
-
The (still somewhat mysterious) science behind the microbiome
Though nascent, microbiome research is offering valuable insights about how tiny organisms improve — and threaten — human health. Read More »
-
Pharma moves beyond Seres hangover in microbiome space
While there have been no major acquisitions of microbiome-focused companies, early research has attracted a wealth of big pharma dollars. Read More »
-
Cancer and the microbiome: What's old is new again
AA healthy gut may improve how well cancer patients respond to immunotherapy. A big unanswered question is why. Read More »
-
Hunting for the 'good' and 'bad' bacteria in the microbiome
Research into the trillions of bacteria living in the gut has surged, boosting interest in developing diagnostics. Read More »