Lallemand and Kirin enter distribution agreement for immunity postbiotic

Lallemand Health Solutions and Kirin Holdings have announced a distribution partnership for Immuse, dubbed one of the most documented postbiotics for immune support, backed by patent-protected research.

The clinically researched lactic acid bacteria support immune health through a unique mode of action. This heat-inactivated Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma (LC Plasma) directly activates key immune cells called plasmacytoid dendritic cells, offering comprehensive immune support by stimulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.

“With over 130 years of fermentation expertise and nearly 40 years of immunity research, Kirin Holdings has developed the innovative postbiotic Immuse. We trust Lallemand is the ideal partner to advance this mission and promote health and wellness,” says Daiji Niwa, executive officer, general manager of the Health Science Business Department at Kirin.

Isabelle Champié, VP of sales and marketing at Lallemand Health Solutions, adds: “With 90 years of expertise in microbial solutions, we offer science-backed, customized probiotic and postbiotic formulas for nutritional supplements, food and beverage applications, and pet supplements. Immuse from Kirin Holdings will be a great addition to our portfolio, bringing a documented solution for immune health to meet the increasing market demand.”

Extensive clinical research

Immuse is supported by 15 clinical studies demonstrating its efficacy in supporting immune health.

Key findings in the area include a significant decrease in cough days and sore throat severity compared to placebo (Shibata, 2016), a reduction in cold-like symptoms and cumulative incidence days (Suzuki, 2015), and enhanced immune response, including up-regulation of antiviral gene expression levels and increased secreted IgA levels in saliva (Fujii, 2017).

Additionally, the ingredient has demonstrated immune support during sports activity in healthy athletes (Komano, 2018 & 2023).

Immuse is available in a variety of dosage forms, making it easy to integrate into a daily routine.

Expanding gut health arena

Lallemand highlights that the global postbiotic market is expected to reach US$3 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of +6.8% from 2022 to 2031. It estimates the postbiotic supplements market to be valued at US$10.8 million in 2024, with a CAGR of +10.9% from 2024 to 2034, reaching US$30.5 million.

“Consumers are increasingly aware of the link between digestive health and immune health, with 73% recognizing this connection. The top health benefits of postbiotics are gut health, immune support, and sports performance,” outlines the company.

Last month, Lallemand entered a new phase in its collaboration with FrieslandCampina Ingredients on the synbiotic concept, Natural PRO-Digest. The companies underscore that this latest advancement boosts the synergistic power of combining probiotics and prebiotics.

In March, Lallemand unveiled its probiotic formula innovation, Cerenity, designed to support healthy aging through the gut-muscle axis. The company states that this latest addition to its healthy aging portfolio is backed by a newly conducted clinical trial that demonstrates its effectiveness in improving mobility, strength, and overall quality of life in older adults.