Chr. Hansen Says Probiotic Study Insufficient for Health Claim

Chr. Hansen has reported that clinical studies on the effects of its probiotic strains failed to yield the evidence needed to make a claim about its health affects. Chr. Hansen has a leading position in the probiotics market with a number of probiotic strains supported by clinical documentation.

3 Mar 2013 --- Chr. Hansen said it aims to retain the position as the probiotics supplier with the best documented products.

In 2010 Chr. Hansen initiated a clinical study program. The program is aiming at further documenting the beneficial effect of two of the main probiotic strains on the immune system and gastrointestinal health.

The two remaining studies which related to gastrointestinal health are now in the finalization process and a preliminary analysis has been conducted. Despite indications of positive results the studies’ primary end points were not met and consequently Chr. Hansen assesses that the combined data currently available is insufficient for approval of an EU health claim. An impairment of capitalized development expenditure around EUR 8 million is therefore expected in 2012/13.

Chr. Hansen is committed to differentiate through documentation of the positive effects of probiotic cultures. Chr. Hansen will now conduct further analysis to establish a full understanding of the value of the new knowledge the study results have provided before determining our next activities within clinical studies on probiotic cultures.

The guidance for 2012/13 (as stated in company announcement of 31 October 2012) is unchanged despite the results of the clinical studies on gastrointestinal health. The 3-5 year outlook (as stated in company announcement of 31 October 2012) is also unchanged.

Chr. Hansen sells a number of probiotic strains with different indications including among others gastrointestinal health, immune system and women’s health. The total sales of probiotic cultures in the European Union as ingredients in yogurt (Cultures & Enzymes Division) and dietary supplements (Health & Nutrition Division) accounts for less than 7% of total revenue for Chr. Hansen.