Rebiotix Inc., a Ferring Company products

The human microbiome is defined as the microbial community (bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa) present in the human body. The human microbiome aids in the maintenance and development of the immune system and metabolism among other body functions. The densest and most diverse microbial community has been found in the human gastrointestinal tract. There is also increasing evidence that the gut microbiota plays an important role in protecting the host from disease. Clinical and scientific studies indicate that disturbances to the gut microbiota, often referred to as “dysbiosis,” may be involved in infectious, inflammatory, metabolic, liver and neurological diseases. Until recently, antibiotics were a common way to fight different diseases – now, the opportunity to restore gut microbes may provide an effective and durable treatment.