Content Provider for Newsweek
Todd Beckman, CEO

Todd Beckman, CEO

and Noah Zimmerman, CSO
Verb Biotics
16 January 2025

Could you start by telling us a bit about Verb Biotics, how it came about, and the mission behind it?

Verb Biotics began with the question: how do we translate science into effective consumer products? Initially, we were focused on probiotics, but we quickly shifted our vision toward a broader concept—microbiome health. The mission of Verb Biotics is to advance microbiome innovation to improve human health in a meaningful way. Rather than recycling the same probiotic strains, we set out to introduce new, targeted health applications, which is something the market truly needed.

What specific health areas are you focusing on, and how has your approach evolved?

We’re tackling health areas like stress, mental health, mood, and sports performance by leveraging recent scientific advancements. The industry has come a long way in understanding how metabolites—chemicals released by the body, food, or bacteria—interact with our cells and influence health. Now, with advanced technologies, we can create more targeted products with real health benefits. This approach allows us to offer improved outcomes that are truly impactful.

Can you explain the connection between the gut microbiome and brain health?

There’s a profound, bidirectional relationship between the gut microbiome and the brain. The “butterflies in your stomach” sensation when you're nervous or stressed is a reflection of that. The bacteria in your gut release various compounds that interact with your body, including your nervous system, sending signals that affect mood and stress levels. In the past, research on this was limited, but now, we have institutions like University College Cork and other think tanks working to understand these interactions. We’re leveraging their insights to develop products that positively impact mental well-being by modulating these microbiome-driven pathways.

Mental health has become a bigger focus, especially post-COVID. How is Verb Biotics addressing this?

The pandemic shifted the public’s perspective on mental health. With more people vocalizing their experiences with stress and anxiety, we saw an opportunity to help. Mental health includes many facets, such as sleep, stress, and mood, which are interconnected with the microbiome. For example, changes in hormones can drive mood and stress fluctuations, particularly in women’s health. Our goal is to create microbiome-based products that support these aspects, offering natural ways to improve mental wellness.

Are you conducting clinical trials and other rigorous testing for Verb Biotics products?

Yes, absolutely. We prioritize safety and efficacy and conduct comprehensive testing, including genome sequencing, to fully understand the capabilities and safety of our strains. Our clients, the brand owners, demand proof that our products work, so we invest in clinical studies to substantiate our claims. We’re also mindful of regulatory requirements and ensure our products are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). At the end of the day, we want our products to make a genuine difference in people’s lives, which means that safety and effectiveness are non-negotiable for us.

Consumer education is crucial in this field, but it can be challenging. How do you approach this at Verb Biotics?

Consumer education is challenging but essential. Instead of focusing on arbitrary metrics like “billions of CFUs” (colony-forming units), we emphasize the function and benefits of specific compounds, such as GABA (a neurotransmitter). When consumers understand the specific health impact of an ingredient, they’re better equipped to make informed choices. We also work with our customers—other brands—to ensure that this functional, science-backed information is communicated clearly to consumers. Giving people a reason to believe in the product’s efficacy helps build trust and promotes repeat purchases.

What challenges do you face in this market?

Two major challenges are the cost and complexity of clinical trials and navigating the regulatory landscape for new strains. While clinical trials are essential to proving efficacy, they’re expensive and time-consuming. Regulatory approval for new strains also involves extensive safety testing, which can be a long and costly process. Additionally, consumer fatigue with capsule-based supplements is another challenge, so we’re looking into alternative delivery methods to make taking supplements easier and more enjoyable.

How does Verb Biotics incorporate sustainability into its practices?

Sustainability is integrated into our operations in various ways. For example, by promoting better microbiome health, we enable consumers to get more from their diet, potentially reducing the need for excessive food intake and supporting local food sources. We also view sustainability through the lens of health: if our products can help consumers avoid prescription medications, they save on costs, reduce side effects, and potentially lessen environmental impact. We’re committed to humane research practices, avoiding animal testing by leveraging AI and genomics, which is another aspect of our sustainable and ethical approach.

What message would you like to share with readers about Verb Biotics and the company’s impact?

Our primary goal is to provide a function-first approach to microbiome health that people can feel. We focus on delivering meaningful benefits, whether that’s improved mood, better sleep, or reduced stress.

Ultimately, it’s about making a positive impact. When consumers can genuinely feel the difference, they’re more likely to trust in the power of science-backed supplements. We’re excited about the potential to bring innovation to the industry and help people live healthier, happier lives with solutions that are both effective and sustainable.