The firm unveiled its findings on a “strain characteristic-based formula design technology”, which is said to be capable of maximizing the viability and function of lactic acid bacteria, at the 11th Congress of the International Human Microbiome Consortium (IHMC 2026).
The event took place in Seoul, South Korea from June 3 to June 5.
Focusing on how each type of probiotic utilizes a different “food for probiotics” (prebiotics), CJ Wellcare has continuously conducted research on synbiotics optimized for the characteristics of each strain.
At the conference, the company presented the results of a study involving genomic analysis and culture experiments conducted on various Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains, including its flagship patented strain CJLP133.
The research team confirmed that the enzymes and metabolic characteristics for breaking down and utilizing prebiotics differ among the strains. Based on this, they suggested the possibility of deriving optimal prebiotic combinations for each strain.
According to the research, CJLP133 showed a growth increase of up to 200 times compared to general glucose conditions in a specific oligosaccharide (GOS) environment.
On the other hand, in some prebiotic environments, the growth responses of each strain were distinctly different.
This suggests that even among lactic acid bacteria of the same Plantarum lineage, the optimal combination of prebiotics varies depending on the unique characteristics of the strain.
As such, combining strain-specific prebiotics can elevate the viability and functional activity of lactic acid bacteria.
CJ Wellcare plans to actively apply the genome analysis-based strain-customized formula design technology secured through this study to the development of next-generation products for its premium probiotic brand, BYOCORE.
“This research demonstrates the potential to further enhance the efficacy of CJLP133 based on CJ’s differentiated microbiome R&D capabilities. We will continue research based on microbiome science to strengthen the expertise and brand competitiveness of BYOCORE, and introduce wellness solutions that consumers can trust,” the company said.
Opening a new paradigm in sleep management
CJ Wellcare recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with sleep tech start-up CirKadian to develop personalized sleep and melatonin management solutions based on sleep and circadian rhythms data.
Through this partnership, the two companies aim to combine their R&D and tech capabilities to introduce a differentiated, data-driven sleep management strategy combining health functional foods and IT technology.
For a start, CJ Wellcare and CirKadian will conduct joint research projects.
This includes leveraging CirKadian’s technologies on circadian rhythms, sensors, and light intensity to jointly develop an algorithm capable of analyzing individual sleep patterns and daily sleep-wake cycles, as well as monitoring and predicting melatonin secretion.
This system is also planned to include integration with hardware devices, such as CirKadian’s Mellight lamp.
CJ Wellcare will lead the research and commercialization of functional products related to sleep and melatonin, and is responsible for managing distribution channels, while CirKadian provides circadian rhythm-based IT algorithms and data collection hardware, and is in charge of system advancement.
According to CJ Wellcare, the ultimate goal is to provide personalized sleep health solutions for each individual by analyzing sleep and environmental data to suggest the appropriate melatonin dosage and timing for intake.
“This agreement is the first step towards going beyond simply developing products to incorporating IT technology to provide sleep solutions optimized for individual lifestyles. In the mid-to-long term, we will open a new paradigm in the sleep health market through a sleep solution package that combines health functional foods, devices, and data services,” the firm stated.
