We plan to genetically modify gut-friendly lactobacillus bacteria with genes that code for various proteins and peptides (chains of amino acids) that are known to have medically useful properties.

By turning the gut itself into a factory for drug-like compounds, an oral route of administration is achievable without traditional pharmaceutical synthesis and manufacturing steps. Moreover, we could make certain [safe and well-tolerated] biopharmaceuticals broadly accessible, without the need for intravenous administration or costly lab-based production.

We will culture these modified bacteria in a production-scale medium to create products like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, etc., which we will market not only for consumption, but also in the form of starter cultures for community-based treatment in areas underserved by our distribution chain.

The most promising proteins for acheiving this therapeutic value are antibodies, and the gut has the highest concentration of immune receptors in the body. Newborns receive antibodies in breastmilk via this route. Genetically modified lactobacillus would enable the continuous production of antibodies in the gut, making multiple therapeutic areas accessible in the process.