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The good news: vertical farming, biocontainment systems,
and AI-controlled environments are rapidly closing this
gap.
Cultural Resistance and Market Skepticism
Even if the science holds and the regulations adapt, edible
biologics face a final, more nebulous challenge: belief.
Will patients trust a drug that’s grown in lettuce?
Will physicians recommend a capsule made from
duckweed?
Will payers reimburse a product that looks more like food
than pharma?
These are not trivial questions.
In healthcare, perception is part of efficacy.
And in the absence of familiarity, the burden of proof is
higher.
Overcoming this means:
• Strong clinical data that demonstrates efficacy,
safety, and durability
• Thoughtful branding that emphasizes
pharmaceutical rigor, not novelty
• Educational campaigns that bridge the gap
between food science and therapeutic science
• Champions among physicians, payers, and
patients willing to speak publicly about their
experiences
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