Soja: ROSARIO
$304.000 -1.94%
Maíz: ROSARIO
$206.000 -0.48%
Trigo: ROSARIO
$220.000 -1.08%
By Agroempresario.com
In a breakthrough for the probiotics industry, ZBiotics, a designer probiotics startup led by microbiologist Dr. Zack Abbott, has captured the attention of consumers with its innovative, genetically engineered probiotics. With a commitment to changing how we think about gut health, ZBiotics has sold over 8 million bottles of its "pre-alcohol" shot and has now expanded its product line with the launch of a new "sugar-to-fiber" product. But behind these revolutionary products lies a unique approach to probiotics and a bold vision for the future of health.
ZBiotics’ rise to success began when Dr. Zack Abbott, the founder of the company, noticed a gap in the market for an effective, scientifically-backed solution to hangovers. Traditional hangover remedies often proved unreliable, and Abbott believed there was a way to use genetic engineering to create a solution that worked at a microbiological level. With his background in microbiology, Abbott envisioned a probiotic capable of helping the gut break down alcohol-related toxins in a way that was never before possible.
In 2019, ZBiotics launched its first product, ZBiotics Pre-alcohol. This product contained a specially engineered strain of bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, that expressed an enzyme capable of breaking down acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol, directly in the gut. While alcohol is broken down by the liver, a portion of it is metabolized in the gut, where it can lead to the production of acetaldehyde. This toxic molecule is responsible for many hangover symptoms, and by neutralizing it in the gut, ZBiotics Pre-alcohol helped to mitigate the effects of a hangover.
Dr. Abbott explains that the motivation for ZBiotics came from understanding the microbiome and its role in the digestive process. While the liver plays a crucial role in detoxifying alcohol, the gut also contributes to the breakdown of alcohol and its byproducts. The problem is that the gut is not as efficient in processing acetaldehyde as the liver is. This is where ZBiotics’ engineered bacteria step in.
The key to ZBiotics Pre-alcohol is its ability to deliver Bacillus subtilis bacteria that express an enzyme designed to break down acetaldehyde. These bacteria are in a dormant spore state when consumed, and once they reach the gut, they "wake up" in response to the pH levels and begin producing the enzyme. This continuous breakdown of acetaldehyde helps prevent the buildup of the toxic byproduct and reduces hangover symptoms.
The efficacy of the product has been validated both through scientific studies and consumer feedback. Early users noticed a significant reduction in hangover symptoms, giving rise to a growing consumer base for ZBiotics.
The success of ZBiotics Pre-alcohol has been remarkable, and the company has expanded its sales to include both direct-to-consumer online channels, like Amazon, and physical retail locations. Dr. Abbott emphasizes that understanding their core customer—those who prioritize their health and are looking for solutions that help them maintain a balanced lifestyle—is key to their growth strategy.
California, with its health-conscious demographic, became the testing ground for ZBiotics’ entry into physical retail. The company initially launched its products in locations like Bevmo and Earthbar, and later expanded to high-end gyms like Equinox. These spaces, where consumers are invested in health and fitness, turned out to be the perfect environments to showcase ZBiotics’ products.
Building on the success of their first product, ZBiotics recently launched a second product, ZBiotics Sugar-to-Fiber (ZB423). This new probiotic solution is designed to help consumers increase their fiber intake by converting sugars from the food they eat into a unique form of fiber called levan.
Dr. Abbott notes that the majority of Americans do not consume enough fiber in their diets, which can lead to digestive issues and imbalances in the gut microbiome. ZBiotics’ new product tackles this problem by using a genetically engineered bacterium that produces an enzyme to break down sugars like sucrose into fructose. The fructose is then transformed into levan, a rare form of fiber that is known to support gut health.
One of the key advantages of ZBiotics Sugar-to-Fiber is that it allows consumers to increase their fiber intake without changing their eating habits. The product can be taken as a powder that mixes easily with food or drink, allowing the bacteria to convert sugars into fiber throughout the day. By doing so, ZBiotics is helping to promote a healthier microbiome and increase the diversity of fibers in the diet, which is essential for digestive health.
ZBiotics has conducted preliminary studies to validate the effects of Sugar-to-Fiber, with promising results. Early research shows that the product supports gut health by increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids and improving microbiome diversity. Clinical trials are underway to further solidify the product’s health claims.
Looking ahead, Dr. Abbott is excited about the potential for genetic engineering in probiotics and how it can address a range of health concerns. The company is already exploring other potential products targeting athletic performance, sleep, vaginal health, and skin health. The possibilities seem endless, as genetically engineered probiotics could potentially be programmed to perform almost any biological function that benefits the human body.
Despite their success, ZBiotics remains one of the few companies in the market offering genetically engineered probiotics. While traditional probiotic companies have been hesitant to embrace genetic engineering, Abbott believes that ZBiotics is ahead of the curve and that genetically modified probiotics will soon become more mainstream.
Dr. Abbott’s approach is to focus on delivering tangible health benefits that consumers can feel. His conviction is that as consumers become more educated about the science behind probiotics, demand for genetically engineered products will increase. “Consumers want products that deliver tangible benefits,” he says. “That’s what we give them, and I have a feeling this approach is going to become more and more popular.”
ZBiotics has successfully raised funding to support its growth and product development, and the company is now seeing the fruits of its labor. After launching their first product, they were able to generate revenue and reach profitability. In 2024, ZBiotics raised additional capital to expand into brick-and-mortar retail and further scale their operations.
As the company continues to grow, Dr. Abbott believes that ZBiotics is well-positioned to lead the charge in the designer probiotics market. With a proven track record, innovative products, and a focus on consumer needs, ZBiotics is carving out a unique niche in the wellness and biotechnology space.
