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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

An In Vitro Batch-culture Model to Estimate the Effects of Interventional Regimens on Human Fecal Microbiota
Published on: July 31, 2019
Gut microbiota alters drug metabolism and therapeutic outcomes
Fusheng Guo1, Yingjie Bai2, Xiaoguang Lei3
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Science, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100193, China.
Abstract:
The human gut microbiota is now established as a vital contributor to drug metabolism and therapeutic efficacy. Nevertheless, the interaction between gut microbes and pharmaceutical agents is inherently complex, posing significant challenges to the use of the microbiota to reduce toxicity and improve efficacy. Gaining a deeper understanding of the complex role of the gut microbiota in regulating drug metabolism and influencing treatment outcomes is essential for enhancing diagnostic accuracy, prognostic stratification, and therapeutic approaches. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in gut microbiota-mediated drug metabolism and effectiveness and assesses the potential of targeting microbial communities to improve drug performance. The insights provided here are set to advance personalized medicine and promote the development of microbiota-targeted therapies.
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