Pioneering Solutions for Microbiome Research
Vermicon AG is a leading company in microbiological analysis and offers pioneering solutions for the visualization, identification and quantification of microorganisms in the microbiome. Our state-of-the-art technologies provide unique insights into the complex world of microorganisms and revolutionize the handling of microbial data. They ensure precise and reliable results for microbiome and probiotics research as well as for specific requirements in process and quality control. Our range of services includes solutions for all phases of the pharmaceutical production chain - from research and development to the final product.
Living Biotherapeutics
To ensure the efficacy and safety of live biotherapeutics, a deeper understanding of the relationship between the microbiome and human health is required.
Probiotics
Improving the development and production of probiotics through direct microbiology.
Parallel, rapid and specific quantification and viability determination at whole cell level - even in complex probiotic mixtures.
Expertise and Technology
vermicon supports pharmaceutical companies and developers of microbiome-based products whenever specific microbiological expertise, technological equipment or process optimization is required.
Exploiting the Full Potential of the Microbiome
The human microbiome is a highly complex ecosystem of bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa and viruses, for which the generic term "microbiota" has become established. The term "microbiome", on the other hand, refers to the entire gene pool of this community. This small universe of microorganisms is the subject of intense interest and research in biochemical and pharmaceutical science.
The exact constellations and physiological interactions of bacteria in the human body are considered to be crucial factors in a large number of diseases of civilization such as cancer, gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory diseases and neurological diseases. Therefore, many research projects have focused on comparing the microbiome of healthy individuals with that of patients or people at risk. The findings from experiments in which the composition of the microbiota was altered (resulting in "dysbiosis") support the hypothesis that the microbiome plays an important role in maintaining so-called homeostasis - the state of stable internal, physical and chemical conditions maintained by living systems.
By better understanding the roles and functionalities of these microorganisms, it is possible to develop and produce new classes of therapeutic drugs such as live biotherapeutics, probiotics and biosimilars aimed at restoring the balance of the microbiome ecosystem.
The Complexity of the Microbiota Leads to Challenges in Production
Moreover, products based on living microorganisms generally do not act directly, i.e. on specific organs or tissues, but interact in a multifactorial mechanism of action. Due to the complexity of these interactions, ensuring the required efficacy and reliable quality control is a major challenge. A deeper microbiological understanding is required at every stage of production.
LIVING / DEAD Cell Vitality
Modern microbiology and molecular biology in particular have difficulties in the automated analysis of living/dead cells. Direct observation of microorganisms, their interactions and their level of activity in the ecosystem is also difficult.
Anaerobic Microorganisms
The detection and analysis of strictly anaerobic microorganisms is one of the most challenging areas of research, as anaerobic conditions need to be established to understand microbial activities and to obtain enrichments and pure cultures.
Non-Cultivable Bacteria
Furthermore, conventional microbiological methods such as cultivation are not a solution for the vast majority of bacteria, as it is estimated that up to 99% of the bacteria present in the human body cannot be cultivated.
Optimized Microbiological Analysis
vermicon supports pharmaceutical companies, CDMOs and developers of probiotic bacteria with customized, alternative microbiological methods. Our direct approach allows us to identify and visualize bacteria directly in their habitat and reveals mechanisms and relationships that cannot be determined with pure sequence data or conventional cultivation methods. This enables us to provide meaningful insights quickly and efficiently.
Our Customers
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"The importance of bacteria for our health is becoming increasingly clear. Probiotic medicines open up new avenues in the fight against diseases of civilization such as allergies, respiratory diseases and gastrointestinal disorders. With this in mind, SymbioPharm GmbH is committed to consistently and continuously expanding all activities from research to the finished product, seeking new approaches and finding unusual treatments.
For more than two decades, vermicon AG has been our reliable partner in the research development and quality assurance of our products. With the innovative methods offered, the microbiological know-how and the professional way of working, we have found exactly the right partner for us. The fast and trusting exchange with our direct contact person and the entire team is also a guarantee for an uncomplicated and successful collaboration."
Dr. Kurt Zimmermann, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), SymbioPharm GmbH
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"Oxabact® is a living biotherapeutic based on the naturally occurring bacterium Oxalobacter formigenes. OxThera's mission is to develop Oxabact® for the treatment of primary hyperoxaluria, a rare genetic metabolic disorder in which various enzyme deficiencies lead to excessive oxalate production.
Turning a naturally occurring bacterium into a health product may sound simple, but it is actually a major challenge. In the development of processes for the production and characterization of our product, the cooperation with vermicon AG is of enormous value to us.
The competent, open and innovative approach of our contacts is remarkable. Combined with the reliability and speed of the entire vermicon AG team, our relationship has developed into a really strong and valued collaboration."
Dr. Maria Åkerman, Director Process Research and Development, OxThera
Pioneer of Microbiome Research
vermicon is a reliable partner for pharmaceutical manufacturers of microbiological drugs and food supplements, CDMOs and other companies and institutes active in the field of microbiome research. What our customers value most about us are our powerful technologies, innovative methods and microbiological expertise that enable new insights and process optimization. Cost and time savings are a direct result.
Adaptive Expertise
- flexibility and individual support
- microbiological know-how
- internationally recognized experts in FISH and industrial microbiology
- GMP-certified
New Insights
- alternative detection methods
- real microbiology through direct microbiology
- powerful technologies
- fast and specific results
Process Improvement
- in-depth knowledge
- high-performance, safe and effective products
- process optimization (cost and resource savings)
- successfully reaching your goal