1. In Vivo
  2. >>Innovation

‘Bugs As Drugs’ Approach To Cancer Nears Advanced Development

 
• By Ayisha Sharma

Microbiome modulators, known mainly for development in infectious and gastrointestinal diseases, could prove an asset in oncology thanks to the work of biotechs.  

3D rendered illustration of bacteria.
Eighty Percent Of Cellular Immunity Is Present In The Intestine • Source: Alamy

The human microbiome is a growing area of therapeutic exploration, especially in the context of infectious and gastrointestinal diseases. The microbiome refers to the collective genomes of the 10-to-100 trillion micro-organisms in the human body that aid with metabolic processes, protect against pathogens and interact with the immune system.

The last of these functions underpins the relatively novel application of microbiome modulators in the field of oncology. There are 31 companies developing anticancer microbiome modulators and the five most...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on In Vivo for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Innovation

ML-Assisted Genetic Risk Score Predicts GLP-1 Adverse Events

 
• By David Wild

Phenomix Science presented new data at Digestive Disease Week 2025 showing its machine learning-assisted genetic risk score can predict nausea and side effects from GLP-1 receptor agonists, aiding personalized obesity treatment.

The pre|CISION Approach: How Avacta Is Making Toxic Cancer Drugs Safe And More Effective

 
• By Jo Shorthouse

Avacta's approach to drug delivery is showing how 'masked' chemotherapy can dramatically improve safety profiles while maintaining or enhancing efficacy where it matters most.

Bringing Israeli Medical Device Candidates To The Right Partners In The US

 
• By Ashley Yeo

Despite regional unrest, it is business as usual for medtech innovators and investors in Israel as evidenced by continued high-value M&A of locally developed technologies. Irit Yaniv, co-chair of the medtech session at the upcoming BioMed Israel 2025, explained the unique dynamics of Israeli medtech innovation.

Digital Transformation At The FDA: Generative AI Set To Transform Drug Review Process

 
• By David Wild

The FDA plans to implement generative AI for drug reviews by 30 June 2025, enhancing efficiency and potentially accelerating approval processes. Discussions with OpenAI about AI integration are ongoing.

More from In Vivo

How Vir Bio CEO Marianne De Backer Is Rebuilding Commercial Momentum

 
• By David Wild

From billion-dollar COVID antibody to a strategic reset, Marianne De Backer is navigating Vir's comeback through pipeline focus and disciplined leadership.

Execs On The Move: April 2025

 
• By In Vivo Team

An interactive look at recent executive-level company changes and promotions in the biopharma, medical device and diagnostics industries.

AI In Drug Discovery: The Patent Implications

 
• By David Wild

A Q&A with DeAnn Smith, partner and co-chair of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board Proceedings Practice Group at law firm Foley Hoag.