A virologist has developed and consumed a “vaccine beer” in an attempt to induce immunity against a polyomavirus, sparking both scientific interest and ethical debate. The unconventional experiment, conducted by Dr. Christopher Buck, appears to have triggered an immune response, though the extent of protection remains unknown.
Dr. Buck, a virologist at the National Cancer Institute specializing in polyomaviruses – viruses linked to various cancers and health problems in immunocompromised individuals – has been researching a traditional vaccine against polyomavirus for years. He discovered four of the 13 polyomaviruses known to infect humans. His recent experiment involved brewing a Lithuanian-style farmhouse ale with genetically modified yeast designed to elicit an immune response.
The concept, while novel, rests on established immunological principles. Dr. Buck modified the brewing yeast to produce viral particles that mimic the surface of the polyomavirus, but are non-infectious. These particles act as signals to the immune system, prompting the body to create antibodies. Prior research, conducted with mice, showed that consuming yeast producing these viral particles led to the development of antibodies against the polyomavirus.
In May 2025, Dr. Buck began self-experimentation, consuming approximately one pint of the vaccine beer daily for five days, repeating the regimen twice with seven-week intervals as booster doses. Throughout the process, he regularly collected blood samples to monitor antibody levels. Analysis revealed a clear increase in antibodies targeting two subtypes of the virus associated with certain bladder cancers, while pre-existing antibodies against another subtype remained stable.
However, Dr. Buck’s self-experimentation occurred outside of official institutional channels. An ethics committee at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) had previously prohibited him from testing the beer on himself. To circumvent this restriction, Dr. Buck established a non-profit organization, Gusteau Research Corporation, allowing him to proceed with the experiment as a private citizen.
The approach has drawn criticism from the scientific community. Michael Imperiale, a virologist at the University of Michigan, cautioned that the experiment involved a very small sample size – a single individual – and that potential side effects have not been systematically investigated. Arthur Caplan, a bioethicist at New York University, expressed concern that this unconventional method could undermine public trust in vaccines, potentially fostering the belief that immunization is a matter of individual improvisation rather than a rigorously controlled collective process.
Dr. Buck envisions a future where edible vaccines, delivered through common foods, could offer a more accessible and palatable alternative to traditional injections. He suggests that beer is merely one potential delivery method and that other foods containing live, modified yeast could also serve as vaccine vectors, such as bread.
Currently, the “vaccine beer” demonstrates only that it is possible to induce a measurable immune response in at least one person. Dr. Buck and his collaborators acknowledge that extensive safety and efficacy testing is required before this laboratory experiment could be translated into a viable public health intervention. Further research is planned to explore the potential of this approach against other viruses, including influenza, COVID-19, and herpes viruses.
The experiment highlights the complex challenges inherent in vaccine development, encompassing not only scientific hurdles but also legal, ethical, and social considerations. While the concept of a vaccine delivered through a common beverage may seem far-fetched, it underscores the ongoing search for innovative ways to improve vaccine accessibility and acceptance worldwide.
