Institut Rosell-Lallemand Establishes South American Presence
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by abdominal pain, bloating and irregular bowel function. It affects an estimated 10-20% of the western world’s population.
28/11/07 Institut Rosell-Lallemand has announced that a probiotic preparation based on Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, the probiotic strain clinically documented for its benefits in relieving intestinal discomfort, is being launched by Merck Chile during the XXXIVe Chilean Congress of Gastroenterology, taking place November 27-30, 2007. The probiotic is already marketed in capsule format through pharmacies across the country under the trademark Bion Transit. This agreement represents a milestone for the company’s presence in South America, and more launches are expected within this emerging market during the coming months.
“The licensing agreement signed with Merck Chile for Lp299v probiotic follows on the heels of the successful launch of Bion Transit by Merck Médication Familiale in France two years ago,” underlines Sylvie Morin, Institut Rosell-Lallemand Sales and Marketing Director for the Americas. “Today, Bion Transit has became the leading probiotic targeting bloating and gas reduction in the French market, and we are confident that our Lp299v probiotic is a good candidate to penetrate the South American market as it constitutes a natural and clinically proven solution in supporting Irritable Bowel Syndrome sufferers.”
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, characterized by abdominal pain, bloating and irregular bowel function. It affects an estimated 10-20% of the western world’s population. Lp299v’s unique action and set of benefits for IBS patients are well documented and protected by various patents. In fact, a placebo-controlled, randomised study has shown that intestinal discomfort was improved by up to 95% in patients (compared to 15% with placebo), while abdominal pain and bloating were also significantly decreased. Lp299v was originally selected by the Swedish biotech company, Probi AB, and an exclusive licensing agreement covering the dietary supplement market was signed with Institut Rosell-Lallemand at the end of 2003.
