2025 Future Tech Awards- Dr. Yin-Ru Chiang
Innovative Development of Androgen-Metabolizing Probiotics: Functional Gut Microbiome Therapy for Hyperandrogenism Treatment
Androgen-related diseases like androgenetic alopecia and polycystic ovary syndrome are linked to excessive dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Traditional drug therapies cause side effects and disrupt hormonal balance with long-term use. Since sex hormones undergo enterohepatic circulation and reabsorption at the ileum, precise intestinal regulation of androgen metabolism offers an innovative therapeutic approach. Our previous study (2023 Gut Microbes) demonstrated that gut microbiota can regulate serum androgens by metabolizing gut testosterone. Recently, we identified Bacillus coagulans as a functional probiotic with unique capabilities. This strain specifically degrades harmful DHT while preserving essential testosterone levels. It features easy cultivation, rapid growth, and endospore formation for stable preservation and transport—ideal for commercial development. Bacillus coagulans is approved for food use in Taiwan. Using integrative omics technologies, we identified microbial DHT metabolic genes and biochemical mechanisms. Oral administration of Bacillus coagulans significantly reduced serum DHT levels in experimental mice. In high-fat diet-induced female mouse models with DHT-related hair loss, this strain prevented hair loss effectively. We've made considerable progress in health food applications, developing preventive products for sub-healthy populations. Taiwan and US provisional patents have been filed, with technology transferred to two domestic biotech companies. Our medium-term goal is developing highly specific, high-activity medical gut bacteria products with optimized formulations for clinical treatment. This technology pioneers "gut microbiota-mediated hormone metabolism regulation"—a novel therapeutic paradigm for endocrine diseases. Research achievements received the 20th National Innovation Award and coverage in Academia Sinica Bulletin and Central News Agency, establishing credibility for future personalized treatment strategies.
Website: https://www.futuretech.org.tw/futuretech/index.php?action=brands_detail&br_uid=449
