The Emergence of Genetically Engineered Probiotics: A Conversation with Dr. Zack Abbott

“When I started ZBiotics, I was sure somebody would beat us to the punch,” says Dr. Zack Abbott, the microbiologist behind a groundbreaking probiotic that acts as a hangover remedy. This innovative approach has garnered a loyal following among consumers.

Market Entry: A Timely Launch

“But when we launched three years later, we were the first to market with a genetically engineered probiotic: ZBiotics Pre-alcohol, which contains bacteria engineered to express an enzyme that breaks down a toxic byproduct of alcohol in the gut,” Abbott explains.

“Five years later, we introduced our second product, ZBiotics Sugar-to-Fiber, and still, no one else had launched a genetically modified probiotic. Perhaps there’s a fear of consumer rejection, but we haven’t experienced that at all.”

Consumer Demand for Tangible Benefits

“Consumers want products that deliver tangible benefits… and that’s what we provide. I believe this approach will gain even more traction,” he adds.

AgFunderNews caught up with Abbott at the SynBioBeta event in San Jose, discussing his pioneering products, the future of designer probiotics, and ZBiotics’ unique production strategy.

Understanding Gut Processing

AFN: When we drink, our liver efficiently converts alcohol into acetaldehyde and then into acetate. But what happens in the gut?

ZA: This is precisely why we created ZBiotics. A small amount of alcohol is broken down in the gut by your microbiome, converting it into the toxic byproduct acetaldehyde before it even reaches your liver. The liver can handle acetaldehyde effectively, but the gut’s ability is limited.

Engineering Probiotic Solutions

AFN: You’ve engineered a bacterium (ZB183) that breaks down acetaldehyde in the gut?

ZA: Exactly. Traditional methods of creating enzymes through fermentation can be inefficient, as the enzymes lose efficacy after passing through stomach acid. Our bacteria produce the enzyme consistently while in the gut due to their ability to survive through the acid and “wake up” in the right environment.

The Role of Bacillus Subtilis

AFN: So you’re utilizing Bacillus subtilis in a dormant state that activates in the gut?

ZA: Yes! Bacillus subtilis can withstand extreme conditions and, once it arrives in the gut, senses the optimal environment to reactivate and produce the enzyme needed.

Impact on Hangovers

AFN: How significant is acetaldehyde’s contribution to hangovers?

ZA: Acetaldehyde is highly toxic, and the gut is a significant source. We hypothesized that eliminating this toxic molecule would alleviate hangover symptoms—and the feedback confirms a substantial impact.

Market Strategy and Success

AFN: What’s your go-to-market strategy?

ZA: Initially, understanding our consumer was crucial, so we started direct-to-consumer. Amazon has played a significant role in our success. As spontaneous consumption occurs, we aim to expand into brick-and-mortar stores, launching in locations like Bevmo, Earthbar, and Equinox gyms in California.

Core Demographic

AFN: Who primarily purchases your product?

ZA: Our core customers are health-conscious individuals who can’t afford to waste a day due to hangovers. They often have families or careers that demand their full attention.

Timeliness in Marketing

AFN: How have you positioned ZBiotics pre-alcohol sans the “get out of jail free” card?

ZA: Our product does not make drinking safer; it merely helps you feel better afterward. It complements responsible drinking habits, such as eating beforehand and pacing consumption.

Marketing Effectiveness

AFN: Which marketing channels have proven most effective?

ZA: Podcasts have been outstanding for us. Given the skepticism surrounding hangover remedies, credible recommendations from podcast hosts who genuinely believe in our product have resonated well. Traditional digital marketing supports our efforts, but podcasts have significantly enhanced customer acquisition.

Sales and Future Aspirations

AFN: What’s your success rate so far?

ZA: We’ve sold over 8 million bottles, indicating strong traction. The future of genetically engineered probiotics looks promising as we continue to innovate in this category.

Introducing Sugar-to-Fiber

AFN: Tell us about your second product, ZBiotics Sugar-to-Fiber (ZB423).

ZA: The majority of Americans struggle to meet their fiber intake. Our engineered bacterium converts sugars into valuable fibers, thus increasing your dietary fiber with every meal.

Validation and Upcoming Products

AFN: How have you validated this product?

ZA: The goal is to support gut diversity, and we’ve collected strong preliminary data. We plan to conduct official human clinical trials to publish our findings.

Looking Ahead

AFN: What’s the future for designer probiotics?

ZA: We’re exploring products targeting athletic performance, sleep, vaginal health, and skin health. Essentially, we aim to harness the capabilities of these bacteria to provide numerous beneficial functions.

Final Thoughts: Industry Hesitance

AFN: Why aren’t more major probiotic manufacturers producing genetically engineered products?

ZA: Despite starting ZBiotics with the anticipation that competitors would emerge, we were pioneers in launching genetically engineered probiotics. The industry may fear consumer rejection, but evidence indicates a strong demand for effective products.

Funding and Profitability

AFN: How has the company been funded, and is it profitable?

ZA: We engaged in substantial fundraising to develop our first product, but we achieved profitability shortly after launching. Recent fundraising efforts are aimed at scaling growth, particularly as we enter brick-and-mortar retail.