Institut Rosell - Lallemand

An overview of 09's probiotic research

01/14/2010

As a pioneer in probiotic research and applications for over 75 years, Institut Rosell-Lallemand invests significant resources in research. As we are closing the books on 2009, we count no less than sixteen scientific articles published in international journals involving our probiotic strains. Various areas of health were addressed, from gastrointestinal health to immunity or the brain-gut axis, with very innovative work demonstrating the possible impact of certain probiotics at the brain level. Here is a short overview of some of this year’s significant findings concerning our key commercial formulations and probiotic strains.

Probiotics and the brain-gut axis

Probably the most innovative study, which was rewarded during the last Probiotic Challenge by Institut Rosell and was later published in the British Journal of Nutrition, was conducted by the team of Dr. Guy Rousseau in Montreal (Girard et al., June 2009). This study demonstrates a clear role for probiotics in the brain-gut axis, an exciting and innovative direction for probiotics research which holds promise in mental health and the management of stress and anxiety.

In a rat model of myocardial infarction, the oral probiotic preparation Probio’Stick^® was shown to reduce the injury due to apoptosis in those areas of the brain which control the limbic system, indicating a potential to diminish post-myocardial infarction depression.

New findings in digestive health

A more established and significant area of probiotics research concerns the effects of certain probiotics in enteric infections. A recent publication (Gareau et al., December 2009) shows that the administration of Lacidofil^® (a specific blend of the two strains L. helveticus R0052 and L. rhamnosus R0011) in Citrobacter rodentium infected neonatal mice could prevent newborn death, and that this protection was mediated through the activation of adaptive immunity (T cells) and an improvement in intestinal barrier function. This was the first time that a probiotic preparation was shown to prevent death in neonatal mice infected with C. rodentium, a pathogen considered as an ideal model to study host-bacterial pathogen interactions in vivo (C. rodentium uses molecular mechanisms similar to enteropathogenic and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in human). The authors suggested that these new findings support the use of probiotics in limiting the detrimental effects of enteric bacterial infections in neonates.

A second research project from the same team (Wine et al., Nov. 2009) showed the potential of L. helveticus R0052 against Campylobacter jejuni invasion of human epithelial cells, another significant bacterial pathogen (in vitro study). Indeed, while C. jujeni is known as the most common bacterial cause of enterocolitis in humans, the effects of probiotics against this key pathogen have been poorly studied. Interestingly, in the same study, the probiotic strain L. rhamnosus R0011 did not reduce pathogen invasion, which supports the concept of probiotic strain specificity: one strain cannot do it all.

Strain specificity was also claimed in a study by Jandu et al. (February 2009), where live L. helveticus R0052 but not inactivated cells or cells fragments, nor L. rhamnosus R0011 were able to prevent enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (O157:H7)-mediated subversion of epithelial cell signal transduction responses. Thus, it is understood that L. helveticus R0052 acts as an anti-infectious agent, whereas L. rhamnosus R0011 acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

If bacterial infections can be targeted with probiotics, through various possible mechanisms (competitive exclusion, immune stimulation…), it is also the case of fungal infection. A study by Zwolinska-Wcislo et al. (March 2009) looked at the impact of Candida albicans infection on the healing of ulcerative colitis in both patients and a rat model of the condition, and the potential of probiotics in reducing colonic inflammatory damages. It showed that a) the fungal infection delays healing of ulcerative colitis in humans and in a rat model and that b) both antifungal therapy and probiotic treatment could be beneficial in the restoration and healing of colonic damage in ulcerative colitis.

Finally, to reiterate the recent symposium on the potential of probiotic L. plantarum 299v in reducing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a recent study by Waugh at al. demonstrated that this particular strain was able to reduce colonic inflammation and normalize intestinal transit rates in a murine model of IBS.

Dr Thomas Tompkins (Canada), Biochemistry & Microbiology Research Director for Institut Rosell-Lallemand, commented: “ Institut Rosell anticipates 2010 will be another stellar year of discovery in the field of probiotics. The completion of the genomes of our major bacteria strains has helped identify several novel factors which may play an important role in the probiotic effects of the bacteria, and the recent development of a specific immune-related microarray will allow researchers to monitor human response to our probiotic strains and formula.”

Institut Rosell and AGA Institute to Reward Students Probiotics Research

12/17/2009

Institut Rosell-Lallemand has teamed up with the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) Institute to organize the 3rd edition of the Rosell Probiotic Challenge. This challenge aims to promote awareness and education in probiotics among future researchers such as students. It is open to undergraduates, graduates, post-doctoral fellows and residents. The challenge consists of conducting a study related to probiotics and submitting the findings as a scientific poster. The winners of the challenge will also be given the chance to present their results at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) in 2011.

For more information, please visit www.probioticschallenge.com

Leading Gastroenterology Experts Discuss the Role of Probiotics in IBS

11/23/2009

International gastroenterology and microbiology experts were invited in London by Institut Rosell-Lallemand to share and discuss with representatives from the pharma and healthcare industry the latest research on probiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, ahead of the UEGW/ Gastro 2009 conference.

IBS affects 10-20% people in the world (an estimated 10-13% in the UK), and accounts for 25-50% of gastroenterology consultations. As we heard this week from the clinicians, since there is no cure for this debilitating chronic disorder, other than symptomatic treatments, both patients and physicians are frustrated and in need of effective and global solutions. Today, certain probiotics are backed by strong scientific evidence and recognized as effective and safe solutions to tackle IBS symptoms in patients. The particular probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, which was at the center of attention this week, is one of the best documented probiotic strains for IBS, showing benefits on all symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating, changes in digestive transit…) in randomized double-blind placebo control trials, similar to the type of studies used to test drugs.

Rule #1: Not all probiotics are equal!

Most people have heard of probiotics but not everybody knows exactly what they are and how they work, and even if they do actually work. In fact probiotics have been described nearly a century ago by Nobel-Prize winner Elie Metchnikov, who associated the exceptional longevity of Bulgarian to their consumption of fermented milk. And Spanish microbiologist Dr Josè Maria Rosell, who founded Institut Rosell and introduced yoghurt to North America, started to work on the health benefits of probiotics back in the early thirties. But it is only in the past 15-20 years that probiotics gained momentum and that solid science was built around them. For proof, the exponentially growing number of scientific papers on the subject.

Dr Lynne V. McFarland (picture), Research Health Specialist Puget Sound Veterans Administration & Affiliate Associate Professor University of Washington, in Seattle, has spent two decades investigating the clinical use of probiotics. She explained how changes in the gut microflora were associated with IBS, hence probiotics, with their ability to act on the microflora balance, were a good strategy in IBS. But she also insisted that not all probiotics were equal: “Unlike a pharmacological molecule which will have a specific action on a given target, probiotics are live microorganisms and their effects are based on their biological activity in the gut. Because all strains are different, depending on the probiotic characteristics but also its environment –the host- and the quality of the products, its effects will be different. We have to keep in mind that one strain cannot do everything.”

When it comes to the consumer, faced by a multitude of offers in the store or from the internet, Mc Farland recommends to follow some basic guidelines:

üselecting the appropriate strain for a given application

üchecking that efficacy isbe based on solid scientific evidence

üsourcing the product from a reputable manufacturer with high level of quality and safety

The case of Lactobacillus plantarum 299v A.K.A. Lp299v

In the case of IBS, several probiotics have been documented in the clinic. Lactobacillus plantarum 299v was first used in Sweden fifteen years ago and good randomized clinical trials have shown that it was effective to improve overall IBS symptoms in patients. Niedzielin et al. have shown that, in a placebo-controlled randomized study, intestinal discomfort was improved by up to 95% in patients (compared to 15% with placebo), while abdominal pain and bloating were also significantly decreased. L. plantarum 299v modes of action, on the other hand have been extensively studied (close to 20 scientific papers are available about this strain).

L. plantarum 299v was originally selected by Swedish biotech company, Probi AB, and an exclusive licensing agreement covering the dietary supplement market was signed with Institut Rosell-Lallemand at the end of 2003. To date, L. plantarum 299v is marketed for IBS in 10 countries through distribution agreements with Institut Rosell’s partners around the world, such as Merck in France, Belgium and Chile, Aristo and Ranbaxy, in India, Smart Intermed in Greece, Salvat in Spain, Nutrilida in South Africa, Ferring in Canada etc.

The clinician’s point of view

The seminar, which was Chaired by Dr. Stephen Collins, Professor of Gastroenterology at Mc Master University, in Canada, was concluded by a passionate debate addressing the use of probiotics for IBS in clinical practice, moderated by Dr. Philippe Marteau, Head of the medico-surgical department of Digestive Diseases, AP-HP, Lariboisière Hospital, in Paris.

If the attending experts agreed to the true potential of quality, well-documented probiotics for IBS patients, there was no clear-cut answer and some divergence concerning treatment strategies. In IBS in particular, physicians acknowledge important individual variations as well as frequent placebo effects with any type of treatment. In the practice, a good relationship with the patient is a key for IBS management and most physicians report case-by-case decisions, depending on the patient, his acceptance of the treatment, and his symptoms. Indeed the three sub-type of IBS (IBS-C, IBS-D or IBS-A) may not be addressed in the same way.

Finally, if the potential of certain probiotics such as Lp299V in IBS were unquestionable, many questions remained opened, highlighting the need for further clinical studies looking at longer-term treatment, or patient categorization by IBS subtypes etc.

Members of the Panel Discussion were: Dr Miguel BIXQUERT (Spain), Dr Stephen COLLINS (Canada), Pr. Philippe MARTEAU (France), Dr Karen MADSEN (Canada), Dr Daniel URBAIN (Belgium), Dr Lynne MC FARLAND.

Focus on probiotics and IBS in London, 19-25 November

11/16/2009

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, affects nearly one in five people and will no doubt attract much attention during the Gastro 2009 international conference to be held next week in London. Although the severe impact of IBS on patients’ quality of life and the considerable healthcare costs associated with the disorder are clearly recognized, there is no cure for IBS to date.

Mounting evidence does, however, advocate the potential of certain probiotics as a global approach to improving overall gut function and reducing IBS symptoms in patients. The Lactobacillus plantarum 299v strain, which is backed by over twenty scientific publications, is one of these probiotics. In fact, several clinical trials have proven its efficacy in alleviating multiple symptoms in IBS patients, such as abdominal pain and bloating. Institut Rosell-Lallemand is looking forward to presenting these studies as well as other scientifically documented probiotic solutions at its Booth 40 at Gastro 2009, taking place November 21-25, 2009, in London ExCeL.

World’s experts will discuss probiotics and IBS in London

In the days preceding Gastro 2009, Institut Rosell-Lallemand gathers leading scientists, key opinion leaders in gastroenterology and representatives of the pharma and healthcare industries for its second International Rosell Partners Exchange dedicated to probiotics and IBS. This seminar, Chaired by Dr. Stephen Collins, offers scientific updates on IBS and the role of probiotics, followed by a panel discussion Chaired by Pr. Philippe Marteau addressing the use of probiotics for IBS in clinical practice. Gastro 2009 will thus be the perfect opportunity to report on this seminar and offer a fresh view on the potential of probiotics in the management of IBS.

A scientifically-backed probiotic

Probiotics are defined by FAO/WHO as: "Live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host." Each probiotic strain is unique and exhibits particular effects in the gut resulting in certain health benefits. The modes of action and set of benefits for IBS patients of the particular Lactobacillus plantarum 299v strain have been extensively documented, with over 20 scientific papers published. For example, a placebo-controlled randomized study has shown that intestinal discomfort was improved by up to 95% in patients (compared to 15% with placebo), while abdominal pain and bloating were also significantly decreased[1]. L. plantarum 299v was originally selected by Swedish biotech company, Probi AB, and an exclusive licensing agreement covering the dietary supplement market was signed with Institut Rosell-Lallemand at the end of 2003.

What is IBS?

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by abdominal pain, bloating and irregular bowel function. It affects an estimated 10-20% of the western world’s population and has a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Indeed, while not a life-threatening condition, several studies have shown that IBS’ deleterious effect on quality of life was equal to or greater than that seen in certain serious chronic medical conditions, such as Type II diabetes or asthma etc.

While there is no single therapeutic solution for IBS, the range of symptoms and factors associated with this disorder suggests that treatment should be multi-factorial, starting with changes in dietary and lifestyle habits. The use of symptomatic therapeutics as well as anti-depressants can help relieve some of the symptoms, but there is a lack of evidence regarding their efficiency at a global level. Increasingly, scientific and clinical results advocate the potential of specific probiotic strains and formulations as a more global approach to improving overall gut function and reducing IBS symptoms in patients.

Gastro 2009 is an international gastroenterology conference jointly organized by the United European Gastroenterology Federation (UEGF) and the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO), together with the World Organization of Digestive Endoscopy (OMED) and the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG). It takes place in London ExCeL, from November 21 -25, 2009. For more information, visit www.gastro2009.org.

[1] Niedzielin K., Kordecki H., Birkenfeld B.: “A controlled, double-blind, randomized study on the efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum 299V in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.” Eur. J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. Oct. 2001; 13(10): 1135-6.

Institut Rosell-Lallemand Greets ProbioKid Partners in Toulouse

10/13/2009

True to the words of Lallemand’s founder in 1938, “Cooperation spells success,” Institut Rosell-Lallemand held its first international Partners Exchange meeting in Toulouse, France, at the end of September 2009. The two-day meeting dedicated to probiotics and immunity gathered scientists, key opinion leaders in immunology, respiratory medicine, pediatrics and gastroenterology, and representatives of pharma and healthcare companies involved in the distribution of Institut Rosell-Lallemand’s immunity range around the world (ProbioKid®, ProbioStim®).

The first day of the symposium was dedicated to the state-of-the art of immunity and probiotics research and applications, while the second day provided a platform to exchange market experiences among industry partners from China to the Americas to Europe.

Valérie Delahaye, Deputy General Manager for Institut Rosell-Lallemand, launched the event by reminding its 40+ participants that “Cooperation and partnership are among the most important values for Institut Rosell and the Lallemand group. We are committed to working hand in hand with our industry partners and we hope that sharing science and market experience will benefit everyone.” The Rosell’s Partners Exchange meetings mark the commitment of Institut Rosell-Lallemand to support its industry partners in their marketing and commercial efforts, together with a wide array of technical, marketing and scientific services.

The first session was dedicated to scientific updates on immunology and the possible modes of actions of probiotics to influence the immune function. As explained by Dr Yvan Boutin (TransBIOtech, Canada), the gut represents the largest pool of immune cells in the body. And, while it is now increasingly recognized that probiotics are able to influence the immune response, their modes of action are still poorly understood. Participants and speakers agreed that more mechanistic data were needed to back up well-conducted clinical trials. In order to help fill in some of the blanks, Institut Rosell and the Biotechnology Research Institute in Montreal have teamed up to develop a DNA microarray specific to immunity. This unique microarray aims to study the effects of probiotic bacteria-human cell interactions upon the expression of genes involved in the immune response (1,354 genes in total appear on the microarray). According to Dr Julie Audy, who presented the Immune Microarray project, “The immune microarray will serve as an excellent tool to compare the impact of various probiotic compositions upon immune response and to better understand their action mechanisms in the host, especially when co-challenged with pathogenic bacteria.” Some initial results show that the ProbioKid® formula exerts an immunomodulatory action on immune cells.

Dr Jean-Charles Kerihuel, who supervised a ProbioKid® double-blind clinical trial in children, presented the clinician’s point of view. In particular, he underlined the fact that, in pediatrics, it is often difficult to discriminate between infectious episodes in winter, and reducing the number of episodes was not significant for the parents or the clinician: what is more important is to prevent the first infectious event of the season. This is why the investigators chose to look at the effect of the probiotics on the number of children who developed any number of infectious events during the course of the study, rather than the number of episodes. Interestingly, ProbioKid® was able to reduce the risk of any infectious event by 25% in children when compared to placebo. The significant reduction of school absenteeism in children was also a very good criteria and an important benefit for parents.

Promising perspectives for ProbioKid® applications in the field of respiratory bacterial or viral infections were enthusiastically evoked by Pr Mario Cazzola, Associate Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and former Co-chairman of the European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society Task Force "Outcomes for COPD pharmacological trials: from lung function to biomarkers”.

The scientific session was concluded by a panel discussion concerning the use of probiotics in the prevention of infectious diseases. Independent international experts and key opinion leaders took part in the discussion, chaired by Dr Patricia Conway, Professor at the University of New South Wales in Australia. The panel members’ experience and skill base encompassed both laboratory and medical practitioners, allowing them to address various aspects. Issues relating to usage and applications of Institut Rosell’s probiotic and synbiotic products were addressed in relation to diseases and country specific issues. The session also addressed the definition of infectious diseases and how to monitor efficacy, dosage regimes and risks associated with higher doses. To sum up the round table, Dr Conway concluded that: “The panel was in agreement that probiotics held promise for decreasing a range of diseases in children and adults with applications including geriatrics. It was agreed that all diseases can be considered targets for ProBioKid since it has intestinal and immune modulating activity and most childhood diseases appear linked in some way and reflect an alteration from the healthy state. In addition, the complete safety of ProbioKid was acknowledged and it was concluded that the extended use of ProBioKid as could be needed in countries with long winters was not posing any risks and that benefits would be anticipated."

Members of the panel discussions were (from left to right on the picture): Dr Yvan Boutin (Canada), Dr Jean-Charles Kerihuel (France), Pr Andjelka Stojkovic Andjelkovic (Serbia), Pr Patricia Conway (Australia), Dr David Lescheid (Canada), Dr Fernando Medina (Colombia), Pr Branimir Nestorovic (Serbia).

ProbioKid® contains a prebiotic (FOS) and an optimal combination of three well-documented probiotic strains — L. Rosell-52, L. Rosell-71 and L. Rosell-33 —. It is recommended to help maintain a balanced intestinal flora and a healthy immune system in children.

ProbioKid® is already present in ten countries with further launches planned in the coming months through our network of trusted partners around the world. ProbioKid was first launched by Biostime in China in 2003, where it is today the number one brand of children’s probiotic products (Biostime Probiotic Sachet for Children). It is also distributed in France by Urgo (ImmunoStim), in Serbia by Ivancic (ProbioKid Immuno), in Poland by Merck (Lacidobaby), in South Africa by Nutrilida (ProbiFloraPaed), in Columbia by Procaps (Ecosys), in French Canada, by Santé Naturelle (ProbioKid), in Australia by TNP, in Slovenia by Medex, and in the Czech Republic by Valosun.

Probiotics Research Presented in Rome Focuses on Immunity

09/21/2009

New studies presented by Institut Rosell-Lallemand during the 5th Probiotics, Prebiotics & New Foods Meeting in Rome advocate the role of probiotics in the prevention of infectious diseases

During the 5th Probiotics, Prebiotics & New Foods Meeting held Sepetember 13-15 in Rome, Italy, Institut Rosell-Lallemand unveiled recent clinical and in vitro research focused on the interactions of probiotic preparations with the immune response. On the day emphasizing pediatrics, Dr Henri Durand presented the double-blind randomized, controlled, multicentre study carried out with children using ProbioKid® synbiotic formula. Conducted in France, the study showed ProbioKid®’s ability to reduce the incidence of infectious episodes in school-aged children during the winter period. *

Moreover, two in vitro studies carried out in partnership with the Microarray Laboratory at the Biotechnology Research Institute in Montreal, Canada, were also addressed **. These presentations described the development of an immune microarray specially designed to study the effect of probiotic bacteria-human cells interactions upon the expression of genes involved in the immune response (1,354 genes in total). The new technological platform was used to examine the effects of certain probiotic formulas upon immune gene expression by intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells (macrophages). It was applied to the ProbioKid^® formula, as well as to each individual strain and ingredient present in the formula and to a single strain probiotic formulation — L. Plantarum 299v. As a result, it was concluded that both products i) had an impact on gene expression by intestinal endothelial cells and macrophages ii) and they triggered distinct gene response profiles in both cell types.

Interestingly, it appeared that ProbioKid^®, which was proven effective in the clinical trial, was able to modulate the expression of several genes involved in immunity. In particular, the expression of IL-8, an inflammatory marker, was down-regulated by the beneficial microbes present in ProbioKid^®.

According to Dr Julie Audy, who presented the project, “the immune microarray that we developed is unique in the sense that it is specific to immunity - we selected 1,354 genes associated with various enzymatic cascades involved in immunity- and with cross-cell communication (human cells-human cells, but also human cells-bacteria). It will serve as an excellent tool to compare the impact of various probiotic compositions upon immune response and to better understand their action mechanisms in the host, especially when co-challenged with pathogenic bacteria.”

“During these three days in Rome,” added Isabelle Champié, Human Nutrition Brand Manager for Institut Rosell-Lallemand, “we saw that the potential for probiotics is broadening, with studies in various areas such as winter infections, atopy and metabolic syndromes. Finally, the main conclusions that arose from the meeting is that we need well conducted clinical studies, supported by good mechanistic studies to help us understand their modes of action. That is why we believe that the scientific program on ProbioKid and the immune microarray project fall perfectly within this scope.”

* Evaluation of the Effects of a Symbiotic Supplement on the Incidence of Infectious Episodes In Children: Randomized, Controlled, Multicentre Study. Pham-Thi, Nhân, Durand, Henri, Kerihuel, Jean-Charles, Bohbot, Serge.

** A Custom Human Immune Microarray to Evaluate the In Vitro Response of Enterocyte and Macrophage Cells to Bacteria. Audy, Julie, Mathieu, Olivier, MacPherson, Chad, Nantel, André, Tompkins, Thomas Allan (Poster).

A Comparison of the Impact of Mono-Strain and Multi-Strain Probiotics on Human Enterocytes and Macrophages Using an Immune Microarray. Audy, Julie, Mathieu, Olivier, MacPherson, Chad, Nantel, André, Tompkins, Thomas Allan (Poster).

New evidence of Probiotics effects on the brain-gut axis

09/02/2009

Canadian scientists show that Probio’Stick^® reduced the predisposition of apoptosis in certain areas of the brain following a myocardial Infarction

A pre-clinical study by the team of Prof. Guy Rousseau from the Centre of Biomedicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur, in Montreal (Canada), recently published by the British Journal of Nutrition*, shows the potential of Institut Rosell-Lallemand’s Probio’Stick^® formula in the prevention of post-myocardial infarction depression in a rat model. This new study adds weight to the concept of probiotics and the gut microflora implications in the brain-gut axis, or brain-gut communication, a new direction for probiotics research holding promising applications in mental health and the management of stress and anxiety.

Guy Rousseau explains: “One of the mechanisms involved in the onset of post-myocardial infarction depression is the release of pro-inflammatory substances that induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in certain regions of the brain. In addition, depression may induce gastrointestinal perturbations that maintain elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, keeping the circle running.”He added: “ We showed that a prophylactic administration of Probio’Stick formula in rats prior to myocardial infarction induction had the ability to reduce apoptosis in certain parts of the brain - the limbic system-. This effect was probably linked to the probiotic’s impact on the inflammatory balance.” He concluded: “Since the limbic system is implicated in emotions such as depression, this probiotic could potentially diminish post-myocardial infarction depression, paving the way to new directions of research for probiotics.”

Isabelle Champié, Human Nutrition Brand Manager for Institut Rosell-Lallemand commented : “ This pre-clinical trial is a new step in the understanding of Probio’Stick’s interactions and potential in the gut-brain axis, adding weight to a previous human study in chronic stress sufferers**, which showed for the first time the benefits of a probiotic on gastrointestinal symptoms linked to stress. We are very excited by the prospect of this new study and further clinical studies are already planned in this area.”

* Girard SA, Bah TM, Kaloustian S, Lada-Moldovan L, Rondeau I, Tompkins TA, Godbout R, Rousseau G.: Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum taken in combination reduce the apoptosis propensity in the limbic system after myocardial infarction in a rat model. Br J Nutr. 2009 Jun 29:1-6.

** Diop L., Guillou S., Durand H. : Probiotic food supplement reduces stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in volunteers: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Nutrition Research Volume 28, Issue 1, January 2008. Pages 1-5.

Institut Rosell-Lallemand enters in the boulardii pharmaceutical market

08/25/2009

With its yeast plant in Vienna just being certified GMP pharma, Institut Rosell Lallemand can serve the pharmaceutical market with its strain Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii certified as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient.

Production site in Vienna is today one of the few factories in the world that can manufacture this yeast for the pharmaceutical market needs. It is also the third factory of the Lallemand group to reach the pharmaceutical standards.

Institut Rosell-lallemand launches a New Formulation of Its Clinically Documented Children’s Synbiotic ProbioKid®

07/13/2009

Following the success of ProbioKid®, its clinically documented synbiotic, Institut Rosell-Lallemand has now developed a new flavorless formula. Available in a sachet format, ProbioKid® is recommended to help maintain a balanced intestinal flora and a healthy immune system in children. The new formula has been developed to address consumers’ demand for a more versatile solution that can be administered to children with any food or drinks. First launched in 2003 in China, where it has met with growing success, ProbioKid® has become the number one brand of children’s probiotic products in that country. It is also marketed by various partners in Europe, America, South Africa and Australia.

The gut is the site of 60-70% of the body’s immune defenses — the GALT (gut associated lymphoid tissue). ProbioKid® contains a prebiotic (FOS) and an optimal combination of three well documented probiotic strains — L. Rosell-52, L. Rosell-71 and L. Rosell-33 — selected for their ability to act at the three levels of the gut’s immune defenses. A recent randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted in partnership with Urgo, which distributes ProbioKid® in France under the brand name Immunostim®, demonstrated that ProbioKid® could significantly reduce the relative risk of infectious disease in children during the winter season by 25% (p<0.045).

The immune support range of Institut Rosell-Lallemand’s probiotic-based solutions now comprises two versions of ProbioKid® — vanilla flavored and flavorless sachets, and a formula tailored for seniors and adults launched earlier this year under the name ProbioStim™.

Protecflor launched in Belgium by Sanofi Aventis

06/26/2009

Protecflor™ was introduced in Belgium by Sanofi Aventis under the brand name of ErcéFlora Supra. This is the tenth launch for Protecflor™ formula. This unique probiotic combines the synergistic activities of three well documented Rosell bacteria strains with Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic yeast. The synergistic effects of the probiotic yeast and bacteria components of Protecflor™ have been demonstrated in vivo in a rat model of traveller’s diarrhoea. Marketed by Sanofi Aventis through pharmacists as a food supplement, the probiotic is recommended for reinforcing or restoring the intestinal barrier and for fighting intestinal infections, in particular traveller’s diarrhoea. Its launch coincides with the summer season, when traveller’s diarrhoea represents a holiday spoiler for up to 50% of those on the move (an estimated 5-50% of travellers suffer from the disorder, depending on the destination).

Since its initial launch in 2007, Protecflor™ formula has already been introduced in nine other countries by key industry partners -- by Numedica in the U.S., by Wren in the UK, by Ivancic in Serbia, by CatMedia in Australia, and by Walmark in the Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria and Poland.

ProbioKid®* Decreases the Risks of Common Infection Occurrences in Children

05/13/2009

Results of a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study of Institut Rosell-Lallemand’s synbiotic were unveiled at the Vitafoods International Show in Geneva , May 7^th, 2009. The clinical trial, conducted in partnership with Urgo, who distributes ProbioKid in France under brand name Immunostim^®, aimed at evaluating the effects of key synbiotic ProbioKid® on the incidence of infectious episodes in children during the winter period.

The study was conducted during the winter of 2006-2007 and involved 135 healthy, school-age children who had suffered from at least three episodes of ear-nose-throat (ENT), bronchopulmonary or gastric disorder during the course of the previous winter. The study found that a three-month daily supplementation with ProbioKid^®* during the winter was able to reduce the risks of common infections in children.

Fifty percent of the children in the synbiotic group did not develop any ENT, bronchopulmonary or gastric disorder during the winter vs. 32.9% of children in the placebo group (P<0.05). This represents a twenty-five percent reduction of the relative risk of infectious disease in the ProbioKid^®* group compared to the placebo group (P<0.05).

In addition, it was shown that only 25.8% of children in the synbiotic group missed at least one day of school vs. 42.5% in the placebo group (P<0.05). No treatment-related side-effects were reported.

According to Isabelle Champié, Human Nutrition Brand Manager for Institut Rosell-Lallemand, “Immune support is an expanding market for probiotic applications, and there is mounting scientific evidence indicating their benefits. While we put every effort into the formulation and scientific documentation of our products (the individual probiotic strains that are used to formulate ProbioKid are well documented for their effects on the different levels of the immune response, and their effectiveness has been confirmed by various scientific studies), we are also strongly committed to conducting clinical studies on the finished product formula rather than individual strains.”

Dr Jean-Charles Kerihuel, from Vertical (Paris, France), who presented the clinical study at Vitafoods International concluded: “ Our study strongly supports a positive effect of ProbioKid^®*in the prevention of infectious episodes in children, and even though we do not have a clear picture of the synbiotic modes of action, it is clear that its benefits are linked to the strains used and the product formula, and these benefits cannot be extrapolated to other products.”

ProbioKid^®* formula combines an optimal blend of three well-documented probiotic strains — Rosell-52, Rosell-71 and Rosell-33 — with a prebiotic (FOS). It has been specially formulated to support a healthy intestinal flora, essential to maintaining the body’s natural defences.

*distributed in France under brand name Immunostim^®

Biostime SAS launches Leseil Capsule in China

04/24/2009

Through their Joint Venture Biostime France SAS, Institut Rosell-Lallemand and Biostime Inc, leader in the probiotic for children market in China, have just launched a first probiotic product, Leseil Capsule.

This formula is aimed for helping to reduce intestinal disturbances that can appear during travels. For this occasion, Valérie Delahaye, Human Nutrition Deputy General Manager, gave an interview on the Chinese website sohu.com

The discussion is available in English on: http://gd.sohu.com/s2009/interview-leseil/index.shtml

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