Andrea McBeth

A SCIENTIST’S JOURNEY. Andrea McBeth’s company Thaena is the culmination of her love for science and observing the world, deeply intertwined with her personal experiences growing up with chronic disease. Her journey from aspiring entomologist to CEO of a groundbreaking health company is marked by an unyielding curiosity about the natural world and a drive to alleviate human suffering.

Andrea’s career path took a significant turn when her younger sister was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma while in the middle of a cancer focused Ph.D. “That was a major pivot point for me,” Andrea says, recalling her family’s first-hand experience with the cancer-industrial complex and how it changed her perspective on traditional science and medicine.

Although her sister survived and is over a decade in remission, watching her endure the grueling treatment process, Andrea became disillusioned with the limitations and suffering inherent in conventional cancer treatments. This, coupled with her own struggles with autoimmune diseases, drove her to integrate alternative ways to alleviate human suffering.

EMBRACING THE MICROBIOME REVOLUTION. Transitioning from a traditional academic path, Andrea pursued a doctorate in naturopathic medicine, where she discovered a passion for the human microbiome, “the exciting new frontier in medicine,” she says. It allowed her to combine her love for science with practical applications in reducing suffering and improving health.

By isolating and concentrating the beneficial metabolites produced by the gut microbiome, she and her team developed the world’s first stool-derived postbiotic supplement. Derived from healthy human stool and known as ThaenaBiotic®, Thaena’s flagship product is heralding a new era in microbiome science.

Today, Thaena represents Andrea’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of science and finding innovative ways to improve health. Through Thaena, Andrea has developed pioneering products that leverage the microbiome to promote health and wellness. Her journey from a research scientist to an entrepreneur in the supplement space is driven by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a deep empathy for those suffering from chronic diseases. “You can break rules, but you have to know which ones you’re breaking—and you can’t break them all at once,” she says, highlighting her strategic and innovative approach to science and entrepreneurship.

ACHIEVING AGAINST THE ODDS. Thaena’s mission is also rooted in Andrea’s own experiences with chronic pain from juvenile idiopathic arthritis and desire to facilitate others’ comfort and safety. “I spent a lot of time being told I was whiny, or it wasn’t real,” she recalls about her childhood, marked by constant pain. As a result, she developed a hyper-awareness of others’ comfort and safety.

Andrea’s identity as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community has significantly influenced her journey as an entrepreneur. Her involvement with communities like Lesbians Who Tech reinforced her mission to support and elevate feminine knowledge in a traditionally male-dominated field. “When I started Thaena, I made sure that the people I worked with or took money from did not hate gay people.” This strong stance helped her navigate the business world with confidence, knowing she was building her company on a foundation of respect and inclusion.

Andrea has faced numerous setbacks, from financial challenges to personal crises. Yet, her unwavering determination has been a cornerstone of her success. “I was told I wasn’t supposed to live this long,” she recalls. “That created a stubborn resolve in me.”