Policy and regulations in light of the human body as a ‘superorganism’ containing multiple, intertwined symbiotic relationships

Abstract

Abstract The human body is now understood to exist as an ecosystem that includes an abundance of life, called the human biome. For purposes of understanding and treating disease, the biome of the human ‘superorganism’ can be divided into three parts: human, microbial, and more complex organisms such as worms and protists. This paper examines medical progress with biome restorative practices, including fecal microbiota transplants and helminthic therapy, which have proven in some cases more effective and more economical at treating a wide range of diseases than pharmaceutical-based approaches. The regulatory and policy hurdles responsible in part for this limited use of these restorative practices are examined. More importantly, new approaches are encouraged which might reverse the general lack of interest for these restorative practices seen in the medical and biomedical research communities. Such approaches include the regulation of benign helminths as dietary supplements and the establishment of an Institute of Health focused on biome-related issues. Further, the formation of humanitarian organizations to produce and distribute products for biome restoration should be encouraged by public policy, mirroring the collection and distribution of blood and blood products by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.