Chr. Hansen and Caelus Collaborate on Production of Next Generation Probiotic

15 Jan 2016 --- Bacteria that live in and on our bodies have been said to outnumber the number of human cells by 10 to 1 – although recent research shows that in fact we may be similar in numbers to them, with the ratio being closer to 1:1. There is an increased awareness that these bacteria, called the microbiome, play a crucial role in human health and diseases. Numerous studies have highlighted the therapeutic potential of specific bacteria in preventing and treating metabolic, gastrointestinal and other diseases. Today, Chr. Hansen and Caelus Health announce their collaboration on the development of Eubacterium hallii as a next generation probiotic for prevention and treatment of metabolic disease.

Recent studies have demonstrated the involvement of the intestinal microbiota in insulin resistance. Caelus Health have identified and patented a single species, E. hallii, which through preclinical studies has proven to be capable of reducing insulin resistance, a primary symptom of type 2 diabetes. Caelus’ lead strain, CP-001, is a formulation of E. hallii and is currently in phase I clinical study.

The objective of the collaboration between Chr. Hansen and Caelus Health is to develop a CP-001 product formulation that will allow for progression to a phase II clinical trial and a subsequent market introduction. As part of this collaboration, Chr. Hansen will develop a production process and pilot material for clinical trials which Caelus Health will run to explore the use of Eubacterium hallii for prevention and treatment of metabolic disease

Johan van Hylckama Vlieg PhD, Senior Director, Microbiome, Chr. Hansen, says: “Chr. Hansen has unparalleled expertise in fermentation and food and pharma grade production of bacteria. The collaboration with Caelus is in full alignment with our strategy to become the partner of choice for companies wanting to develop new generations of probiotic products and therapeutic microbes. The agreement with Caelus is an important milestone as the first of several projects within the Human Microbiome space for Chr. Hansen”

Luc Sterkman MD, CEO, Caelus states: “We are very pleased to announce this cooperation and are confident that Chr. Hansen has all the expertise and capabilities to develop an advanced formulation of CP-001, which we will further study in upcoming phase 2 clinical studies. This E. hallii based product is the first of a series of Microbiome-based products, which Caelus plans to bring to the market.”