[Edaily Reporter Kim Ji-wan] “We are no longer in an era where people can just take any probiotic. An era is coming where AI analyzes a customer’s gut microbiome and recommends the most suitable nutrients.”

As the global healthcare market undergoes a restructuring centered on GLP-1-based obesity treatments, #CJ Bioscience is moving to commercialize a personalized nutrition platform that combines gut microbiome analysis with artificial intelligence (AI). CJ Bioscience has introduced a new microbiome healthcare model that goes beyond simply selling health functional foods to include testing, analysis, recommendations, and follow-up care.

Discovered in the Lab, Recommended by AI

According to CJ BioScience on the 4th, Oh Beom-jo, a professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, recently presented the results of his research on microbiome-based probiotics (MAC) at the International Human Microbiome Consortium (IHMC 2026) held at COEX in Seoul.

This research goes beyond mere academic achievement. It is drawing attention from the microbiome industry for demonstrating the potential to build a platform capable of predicting the actual human gut environment and linking it to products and services.

Until now, the microbiome industry has faced limitations in translating laboratory research findings into actual products. This is because even with the same ingredients, the composition of gut microbiota varies from person to person, which can lead to differing effects. To address this, CJ BioScience established a standard microbiome bank based on Korean gut microbiota data and a gut simulation platform that replicates the human intestinal environment.

Professor Oh’s research team utilized this platform to identify a MAC combination capable of increasing beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful bacteria in the gut, which was then validated through actual human trials. Out of more than 1,000 applicants, 210 were selected to participate in the study. During the research process, over 1,400 fecal samples and large-scale dietary data were analyzed.

The results showed that in the MAC intake group, gut microbial diversity increased, beneficial bacteria grew, and harmful bacteria decreased. Notably, the results predicted by the gut simulation system were similarly replicated in actual human subjects.

This is regarded as a case demonstrating the potential to bridge the gap between laboratory results and human responses—a challenge that has long been a key issue in the microbiome industry.

Professor Oh stated, “This study confirmed that the complex MAC can positively alter the gut microbiome even over a relatively short intake period,” adding, “It has provided important evidence for the fields of personalized nutrition research and health management.”

AI Provides Personalized Nutrition Recommendations Based on Stool Tests

CJ BioScience has also developed an AI model that recommends the optimal MAC based on individual gut microbiome characteristics using the data from this study. Consumers can check their gut microbiome status by using “Gut Inside,” the gut microbiome analysis service operated by CJ BioScience, or “Smile Gut,” a service for general consumers.

The service is simple to use. After a consumer requests a test kit online or through a hospital and submits a stool sample, the AI analyzes the distribution of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the gut, as well as the overall state of gut health. Subsequently, the most suitable MAC solution is recommended based on the individual’s gut environment. If specific prebiotics are needed, a customized MAC product is suggested; conversely, if existing probiotics are sufficient, the AI recommends probiotic intake without a separate product.

A CJ BioScience representative explained, “The solution required varies from person to person based on the results of gut microbiome analysis,” adding, “Our goal is to provide personalized gut health management services, rather than selling one-size-fits-all health functional foods.”

MAC

Launch

in the Second Half of the Year… Completing the 'Test → Recommendation → Intake → Retest' Cycle

CJ BioScience is preparing to launch MAC products—which can be consumed—

in the second half of

this year. MAC products are being developed as prebiotics in capsule or tablet form. These products will be sold in conjunction with the results of gut microbiome analysis.

Consumers can undergo a gut microbiome test, consume MAC products based on AI recommendations, and then take another test to verify whether their gut environment has improved. The microbiome industry views this not as a simple product sale, but as a microbiome-based healthcare platform model that follows the sequence of 'Test → AI Analysis → Product Recommendation → Consumption → Retest.'

In fact, CJ BioScience is reportedly considering plans to expand its consumer reach not only through online stores and its own platform but also via various distribution channels. The company views the rapidly growing market for glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 obesity treatments as a new business opportunity.

GLP-1-based obesity treatments, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, are rapidly expanding their global market presence due to their excellent weight loss effects. However, a significant number of patients experience gastrointestinal side effects, including constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.

CJ BioScience plans to enter the companion care market for GLP-1 users by combining gut microbiome analysis with personalized MAC solutions.

A CJ BioScience official stated, “We are refining personalized nutritional solutions linked to gut microbiome analysis services,” adding, “We plan to expand our scope into gut health management programs for GLP-1 obesity treatment users and next-generation microbiome businesses.”