Probiotic strain is patented in S. Korea

While the BB-12® probiotic strain is known for its benefits to gastrointestinal health, studies also show it can boost the immune response in conjunction with an influenza vaccine. For this, Chr. Hansen gained a patent which specifically covers: “An immune boosting composition comprising probiotic bacterial strain Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis (BB-12®) with the deposit number DSM15954 for use in conjunction with an influenza vaccine”.

Probiotics are capable of communicating with and affect the immune system through immune cells located in the intestine, and this offers a beneficial impact on the immune function. From 70% to 80% of the immune cells are found in the gut.

“We are very pleased with the new patent in South Korea. South Korea is an important market for Chr. Hansen and this gives us an official blue stamp that strengthens our competitiveness and enables us to further fuel our activities in this market,” says Charlotte Beyerholm, Senior Marketing Manager, Chr. Hansen.

“Apart from South Korea, Chr. Hansen holds similar patents (on the BB-12® probiotic strain for use in a method of boosting the immune response in conjunction with an influenza vaccine) in Europe and China. It is very encouraging to experience the acknowledgement of our focused research and investments in probiotic clinical trials and we are confident that this will pave the way for new opportunities in the probiotic and human microbiome field.”