Once deemed an intimidating and risky space, microbiome modulator firms are slowly winning over investors as robust clinical data surface, with one company, Microbiotica, recently hitting an EU financing record.

Depending on financing, the company could start a Phase III trial of CBM588 as early as this year, but it’s looking to develop the microbiome therapeutic for a potentially broad array of cancers.

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

A plasmid DNA vaccine for human use has moved a step closer to reality, with Zydus Cadila applying for an accelerated nod for its COVID-19 candidate in India. 67% efficacy reported in an interim data readout and Delta variant being the prominent strain during a Phase III trial imply better odds for approval.