An American virologist proposes beer as an alternative to classic vaccines through the use of biotechnology.

Chris Buck, a virologist at the National Cancer Institute, has created an experimental beer that contains genetically modified yeast, intended to trigger an immune response. This research, presented in an unreviewed article by experts, aligns with the growing trend of vaccine hesitancy, in the context of the re-emergence of preventable diseases. The yeast has been modified to produce harmless viral proteins from the BK polyomavirus, which can stimulate antibody production.

Buck personally tested this method, consuming beer for five days, without significant adverse effects. However, the initiative raised ethical and scientific concerns, and an ethics committee initially rejected the researcher’s personal testing. Experts emphasize the need for further studies to assess the safety and efficacy of this approach, considering the impact on public trust in vaccines. Buck argues that the method could attract vaccine-hesitant individuals, given that foods can have medicinal properties.