Chr Hansen adds Australian probiotic to portfolio

Lactobacillus fermentum PCC ​is Probiomics only strain and enters the Chr Hansen portfolio after the companies worked together for two years, said Sune Schmoelker, director of commercial development in human health at Hansen.

Schmoelker said Chr Hansen usually developed its own strains but it had on occasion brought strains into its fold from outside sources as had been the case for strains particular to the female health area.

“We continuously search for new strains,” ​he said, noting the product would be comparable in price to Chr Hansen’s other strains, and was set for introduction into global markets.

Sports and general immunity​

The strain was used in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study sponsored by Chr Hansen and the Australian Institute of Sport with cold and flu benefits demonstrated in the group of 99 athletes.

The study, due for publication in 2010, also showed the strain could combat the stress placed on the immune by exercise.

“We haven’t finalised the marketing of the strain and no health claim submissions have as yet been made, but we are excited by the general and sports immunity potential of this product,” ​ Schmoelker said.

In a statement,​Ashok Jairath, the chief financial officer at Probiomics said: “Chr. Hansen being the global market leader within probiotics, this is the perfect partner for us to distribute​ L. fermentum.”

To date, Lactobacillus fermentum PCC ​has been incorporated into only one food supplement that is on the sale in the US.

Preliminary studies indicate the strain can benefit atopic dermatitis.