Parasites as Medicine? Dr. Andrea Choe on Immunomodulation & Autoimmune Disease | Ep. 16

Can worms revolutionize medicine? Dr. Andrea Choe, CEO of Holoclara, is pioneering worm-derived molecules for human health. In this episode of In Vivo, we explore:- The surprising relationship between gut worms and the immune system- How worm-derived molecules could treat autoimmune diseases- Fascinating historical cases of humans coexisting with gut worms- The journey of Holoclara’s breakthrough drug into Phase 1 trialsDr. Choe explains the science of immunomodulation, the role of gut parasites in human health, and why modern medicine might be missing an evolutionary advantage.Listen in to uncover how gut worms could lead to the next wave of innovative treatments!Introduction and Congratulations - 00:02:12Background on Gut Worm Symbiosis - 00:02:51Journey into Worm Research - 00:03:09Historical Context of Gut Worms - 00:05:16Hypothesis on Immuno Modulation - 00:05:55Evolution of Gut Worms and Humans - 00:08:07Benefits of Gut Worms in Health - 00:09:26Public Perception and Black Market Treatments - 00:10:15Evidence for Immuno Modulation - 00:11:39Bio Prospecting with Worms vs. Rainforests - 00:15:54Molecule Selection for Human Trials - 00:16:53Challenges in Worm Research - 00:18:22Characteristics of Worm Researchers - 00:20:46Protein vs. Small Molecule Research - 00:22:40Philosophy of Staying Close to Nature - 00:26:13Reception of Worm-Derived Medicine in Biotech - 00:29:22Balancing Roles as PhD, MD, and Entrepreneur - 00:31:39Overview of Hola Clara - 00:33:06Leadership and Management Inspiration - 00:33:33Phase One Trials and Eosinophilic Esophagitis - 00:36:22Future Applications Beyond Current Trials - 00:39:01Navigating Research Biases - 00:40:44Regulatory Challenges with Worms - 00:43:04Timeline for Market Availability - 00:44:11Advice for Aspiring Scientist-Entrepreneurs - 00:45:19Personal Journey with Worm-Derived Medicine - 00:46:59Worm Atlas and Personalized Medicine - 00:48:01Ethical Considerations - 00:51:16Future Vision for Hola Clara - 00:52:19Closing Remarks - 00:53:11Holoclara website - https://www.holoclara.com/In Vivo on X - https://x.com/InVivoPodOnXIn Vivo on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5GBvPPvSx52O6ILuam4LoX?si=6c903566ae7b4761&nd=1&dlsi=254f9f5e78194002In Vivo on Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-vivo/id1775578563In Vivo on Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.ca/podcasts/1ac4dbec-df46-4d1f-b0a1-742e9656ef44/in-vivo