What are “bugs as drugs?” These are live microbes used as therapies designed to help rebalance our microbiomes, offering hope against everything from antibiotic-resistant infections to chronic diseases. But working with living organisms isn’t as simple as formulating a pill. These therapies raise deep scientific, regulatory, and manufacturing challenges. 

In this episode of Balancing the Future, Micah and Chai are joined by Dr. Moira Monika Schuler, Global Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls Manager at Wacker Biotech. Together, they explore how our microbiomes shape human health in ways we’re only beginning to understand. From gut disorders to mood regulation and hormone balance, the microbiome is emerging as a central player in 21st-century medicine. 

They dive into groundbreaking work like fecal microbiota transplants (FMTs), FDA-approved microbial therapeutics, and the race to develop safe and scalable live biotherapeutic products. But the conversation also touches on the many hurdles: ensuring consistency among living strains, developing complicated sterile delivery systems, and navigating a fragmented regulatory landscape across the U.S. and Europe. 

LINKS 

• Dr. Moira Monika Schuler on LinkedIn 
• Wacker Biotech Website 
• METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions Website 
• METTLER TOLEDO Laboratory Solutions on LinkedIn 
• Balancing The Future Podcast Website 
• Micah Schweizer on LinkedIn 
• Chai Nussbaumer on LinkedIn 

SOURCES 

The Hidden Crisis of Antimicrobial Resistance in Contaminated Water – Balancing the Future 

Antibiotics and the gut microbiome: Understanding the impact on human health – ScienceDirect 

Fecal microbiota transplantation reduces amounts of antibiotic-resistance genes in patients with multidrug-resistant organisms - Biomedical.com 

About C. diff – U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

Harnessing the power of the microbiome for people and planet - APC Microbiome Ireland 

Global Manufacturing of CAR T Cell Therapy – PubMed 

Rapid Sterility Methods for CAR T-cell Therapies - PharmTech.com 

ABOUT BALANCING THE FUTURE 

Join Micah Schweizer and new host Chai Nussbaumer on Balancing the Future as they dive into the innovations shaping our world. From the potential of hydrogen in powering a greener planet to the rise of GLP-1s in weight loss, and the frontier of microbiome-based treatments, they explore the science that's transforming our lives. 

Each episode features in-depth conversations with scientists, communicators, and thought leaders who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. They also explore the impact these breakthroughs will have on a world in desperate need of sustainable solutions today. 

ABOUT METTLER TOLEDO LAB SOLUTIONS:
In the fast-paced world of laboratory science, precision and efficiency are everything. That’s why METTLER TOLEDO is committed to delivering cutting-edge laboratory solutions that streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Our comprehensive portfolio includes high-performance instruments, intuitive software, automation technologies, consumables, accessories, and expert services—each engineered to meet the unique needs of industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, biotechnology, and both QA/QC and R&D laboratories. 

From precision and analytical balances to advanced titrators, pH meters, density meters, refractometers, melting point instruments, and more, METTLER TOLEDO products are designed for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use. Our solutions empower laboratories to generate trusted results, maintain compliance, and ensure maximum uptime with our robust lifecycle services and automation capabilities.