Healthy Gut Bacteria Capsule Is a Less Invasive Alternative to Other Fecal Transplants
Fecal transplantations are becoming more common in the United States for treating C. difficile infections (C. diff). The procedure restores healthy lower intestine bacteria to assist in keeping gut infections from returning. Fecal transplants are typically performed by collecting feces from a healthy donor and introducing it into a patient’s gastrointestinal tract via colonoscopy. Now, there could be an easier way to carry out this procedure. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved the first fecal transplant pills for adults 18 and older with recurrent gastrointestinal infections. Seres Therapeutics is marketing its new product, Vowst, as a less invasive option to traditional fecal transplants. Vowst is taken four times daily for three consecutive days to treat infections. The drug relies upon the same techniques and equipment used to purify blood products and other biologic therapies. To produce Vowst, stool is provided by a small group of donors that have been screened for various health risks and conditions. Their stool is tested for dozens of potential viruses, infections, and parasites. The samples are then processed to remove waste, isolate the healthy bacteria, and destroy other lingering organisms. Once this process occurs, contents are inserted into pill form. The FDA warns that the drug may carry a risk of transmitting infectious agents and may contain food allergens. Vowst could greatly benefit the autism community, as fecal transplants have already been proven to relieve gastrointestinal and autism symptoms and provide long-term gut microbiota benefits for those on the spectrum. Swallowing a pill at home instead of enduring a colonoscopy at a medical facility is a far better option for many individuals with autism, especially those that suffer from anxiety and sensory issues.
