Probi has signed an agreement with the Swedish biotech company, Probac, to acquire a license for two probiotic strains for use in food applications, primarily dairy products.
The license covers the global market, excluding the Nordic countries. The IP rights for two additional patented strains are included in the agreement, and these will be used for future product development.
Under the terms of the agreement, Probi strengthens its offer within the area of functional food with specific strains for dairy products. The strains licensed from Probac are based on probiotic research that shows positive effects on the gastrointestinal tract and the immune system. The strains are currently used in the Verum range of dairy products, including yoghurt and soured milk, produced by the Norrmejerier dairy company, which owns the rights for the Nordic market.
'We regard this acquisition of new probiotic strains as a great opportunity to grow our functional food business area by adding the dairy segment to our offer,' says Peter Nählstedt, CEO of Probi.
The new strains will complement Probi’s existing offer of clinically documented probiotics within the gastro, immune and iron absorption areas. Probi’s strains are used in both consumer healthcare products and functional food products, including chilled beverages such as ProViva and GoodBelly.
'There is a strong global market potential for functional food with probiotics. These strains have been used in the Verum dairy products for quite some years with proven success, and they will give us the opportunity to develop new product applications,' concludes Peter Nählstedt.
The agreement also includes the IP rights for two thermostable strains, which will enable Probi to extend its offer into new applications in new and growing market segments for probiotics.
