The 'biodrug' concept: an innovative approach to therapy

Cell engineering technology using recombinant microorganisms has created ne w opportunities in the development of innovative drugs. This article presen ts the use of living genetically engineered microorganisms, such as bacteri a or yeasts, as a new delivery vehicle to the gastrointestinal tract. This 'biodrug' concept was demonstrated using recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisi ae expressing the plant cytochrome P450 73A1. This enzyme provides a releva nt model for potential therapeutic applications, such as 'biodetoxication' in the digestive environment. An artificial gastrointestinal tract simulati ng human digestion was chosen as a powerful tool to validate the biodrug co ncept. This approach offers a novel strategy for drug discovery and testing .