Incubating bilirubin with a bilirubin oxidase from various biological sources produces biliverdin. Like bilirubin, biliverdin has been shown to have these cytoprotective properties but is more soluble, reduced toxicity and as such, reduced side effects. Thus biliverdin is a safer alternative to bilirubin for therapeutic treatment of cardiovascular disease, cancers, inflammation and Alzheimer's in both human and non-human mammals.

The current technology involves methods of use and compositions of matter for the production and collection of biliverdin from microorganisms, including the yeast Candida albicans. Further claims include methods to enhance biliverdin production in microorganisms and use of biliverdin in the production of pharmaceuticals.