BioMérieux’s new commercial DNA test rapidly screens dietary supplement label claims

Laboratory diagnostics specialist BioMérieux has launched Gene-Up Probiotic Species ID, a new solution for verifying dietary supplement label claims in less than 90 minutes, addressing the cost, complexity, and delays of traditional workflows. 

This new commercial DNA test allows internal quality teams and external labs to easily identify specific probiotic species in their own facilities. BioMérieux developed the system in collaboration with Now, a natural supplements brand with more than 50 years of experience in product testing.

Now was previously reliant on third-party reference laboratories for multi-strain species identification on mixed formulations. It partnered with bioMérieux to develop a faster, more capable verification solution that prioritizes scientific rigor and operational efficiency. 

“Waiting weeks for compendial-based species identification created bottlenecks across our operations, from delayed production release to increased holding costs and unnecessary product risk,” says Maria Mendres, microbiology manager at Now.

“Our partnership with BioMérieux to develop Gene-Up Probiotic Species ID gives us, as well as the industry at large, the ability to generate accurate, on-site species-level results in 90 minutes or less.”

Mendres adds that this speed and accessibility have helped the brand hit production targets and minimize waste, while strengthening its ability to consistently deliver validated label claims.

Traditional challenges of species-level identification

According to BioMérieux, demonstrating probiotic efficacy requires reliable species-level identification. However, it notes that many existing quality control approaches are costly, complex, or slow. This puts an operational strain on quality teams and limits routine testing.

Gene-Up Probiotic Species ID accurately identifies 18 of the most commonly used probiotic species across capsules and powders in 90 minutes or less.The company stresses that these pressures are driving demand for faster, more practical testing solutions that support quality, transparency, and consistency without compromising scientific robustness.

Gene-Up Probiotic Species ID accurately identifies 18 of the most commonly used probiotic species across capsules and powders, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium lactis, in 90 minutes or less.

“Probiotic manufacturers are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape where ensuring reliable species verification is becoming essential, not only for quality control, but also for minimizing operational risk, supporting accurate label claims, and maintaining market access in a highly competitive category,” says Alejo Migones, SVP of Global Food Safety & Quality at BioMérieux. 

Third-party screening applications

In addition to manufacturers, Gene-Up Probiotic Species ID has been adopted by third‑party reference laboratories seeking to broaden their probiotic testing capabilities.

Because the assays offer a rapid and standardized approach to bacterial species identification, they serve as a complementary option to sequencing for routine testing and high‑throughput screening.

The solution is designed for laboratory workflows and supports timely label verification. BioMérieux says this helps laboratories manage increasing sample volumes, while reserving sequencing resources for more complex analytical needs.

BioMérieux’s xPRO Program

This is the latest diagnostic innovation from BioMérieux’s xPro Program, which connects industry leaders with BioMérieux partners to accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation molecular diagnostics that solve pressing quality and safety challenges.

BioMérieux operates in 46 countries and serves more than 160 countries with the support of a large network of distributors. The company offers diagnostic solutions that determine the source of disease and contamination in supply chains. Its products are mainly used for diagnosing infectious diseases.

In addition to species identification with Gene-Up Probiotic Species ID, the company provides tools for detection, enumeration, and environmental monitoring.

“In the US, where the probiotics market continues to grow, and consumer scrutiny continues to rise, Gene-Up Probiotic Species ID gives manufacturers the confidence to stand behind their products and deliver precise species identification that supports label integrity and protects brand reputation,” says Miguel Villa, SVP of Industrial Applications, North America at BioMérieux.

The launch follows a recent analysis of over 350 products from US drugstores, which found that probiotic supplements contain limited microbial diversity and lack a clear link to the intended health benefit. The authors of the study have created HaPaPro, a tool that identifies beneficial microbes using over 1,000 computer models.