Explore the cutting-edge realm of microbiome therapeutics in this episode of METTLER TOLEDO’s podcast "Balancing the Future," featuring Dr. Moira Monika Schuler, Global Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls Manager at Wacker Biotech. Join us as we unravel the promise and complexity of "bugs as drugs" — live microorganisms harnessed to restore health, combat antibiotic-resistant infections, and offer novel treatment avenues for chronic diseases.
Dr. Schuler delves into the intricate biology of the microbiome — the vast ecosystem of microbial cells and genes inhabiting not only our gut but also lungs, skin, and other niches — revealing how its delicate balance shapes human health and disease. She explains revolutionary therapeutic strategies, such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and newly FDA-approved microbiome-based drugs, that aim to restore microbial diversity and resilience.
The discussion addresses formidable challenges in manufacturing these living therapies, including maintaining anaerobic conditions, ensuring consistent quality in multi-strain formulations, and overcoming regulatory hurdles where traditional sterility standards conflict with the nature of live biotherapeutics. Dr. Schuler highlights the use of advanced analytics like PCR and sequencing to validate product safety and efficacy.
Looking ahead, the episode explores the exciting convergence of microbiome science with personalized medicine, empowered by artificial intelligence and next-generation sequencing to tailor treatments to individual microbiomes. Dr. Schuler also clarifies distinctions between probiotics and therapeutic microbiome products, and underscores the expanding research into non-gut microbiomes such as respiratory and vaginal microbiomes.
Whether you're a scientist, clinician, or curious listener, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of a rapidly evolving field poised to transform healthcare. Discover how ongoing clinical trials, innovative manufacturing, and emerging regulations are shaping the future of microbiome-based therapies.
Listen to the episode now on your favorite streaming platform: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music.
Global Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls Manager at Wacker Biotech
Dr. Moira Monika Schuler is an expert in the field of microbiome-based therapeutics, discussing the challenges and potential of using live microbes as drugs to treat diseases, including antibiotic-resistant infections.
