July 16, 2025 (Woburn, MA) —Today, the pioneering nonprofit OpenBiome, becomes the OpenBiome Foundation – a bold evolution designed to fuel innovation, and ensure microbiome science delivers real impact for people all over the world. The shift reflects a changing regulatory environment while expanding on early successes and expertise.   

Today, we are proud to share the next chapter of our journey: OpenBiome is becoming the OpenBiome Foundation. With this transition, we renew and refocus our commitment to accelerating microbiome science and ensuring its benefits reach those who need them most. 

The FDA must extend the enforcement discretion for investigational fecal microbiota transplant

OpenBIome CEO, Julie Barrett O’Brien, accepting the GBC Health Futurist award at during UNGA. The award recognizes “future seeking, innovating, ‘ahead of the curve’ companies that stand to change the future of global health.”  “We are honored to accept this award,” said O’Brien, “and will use this platform to build a more equitable and inclusive system for microbiome scientists across the globe.”

“More than a decade ago, little was known about the myriad of microorganisms that live happily inside and on our bodies. Now researchers believe they could change the future of human health.”

“Controversy rages over the future of fecal microbiota transplants, or FMT. Human feces are a potential gold mine, for both medical researchers and drug makers.”

“By focusing on what’s coming out of patients’ rear ends, a growing body of scientific research has highlighted the crucial role the microbiome plays in human health.”

“Discover everything from regular soap versus anti-bacterial, the hygiene hypothesis and the rise of auto-immune diseases, and explore both fecal transplants and helminthic therapy.”

As the CEO of nonprofit OpenBiome, Barrett O’Brien is advancing microbiome science and therapeutics to improve health for all.