Probiotics for infertility: Biosearch Life applies for patent

18 Jun 2020 --- Spain-based Biosearch Life has applied for a patent for a probiotic strain to address infertility problems in women. The biotechnology company says this would become the first probiotic-based product for this treatment and would tap into a major and rapidly growing market. Prior research into oral administration of the CECT5713 strain of Lactobacillus salivarius found that it allowed pregnancies to be 66 percent effective in women with infertility of unknown cause. There was also reproductive success of 56 percent in women with recurrent pregnancy loss.

“Products that we will develop through patents, such as the one we have just applied for, have a direct impact on the lives of many couples who are currently experiencing difficulties in having a family. It is, therefore, twice as satisfying to see the result of years of research and effort in a real product, which will also provide solutions in such a sensitive area for so many families as conception. This is very important for the future of our society,” explains Jose María Roset, Biosearch Life CEO. 

The R&D process for this application began in 2017 with a patent on the use of a specific combination of myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol for infertility treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The new product will be launched globally and in the pharmaceutical market. This is the third patent Biosearch Life has applied for so far, which the company says fits in with its trajectory in the search for solutions to fertility problems in women through natural solutions.

Biosearch Life points to prior studies showing the relevance of the microbiota from the female reproductive tract in human reproduction. Under physiological conditions and in contrast to the intestinal microbiota, the human vaginal microbiota is generally distinguished by low bacterial diversity and the abundance and predominance of bacteria of the Lactobacillus genus. The company notes that infertility of unknown causes could be associated with imbalances in the microbiota of the female reproductive tract.

Currently, 15 percent of couples are estimated to have fertility problems.Tapping into a booming market
Currently, 15 percent of couples are estimated to have fertility problems, according to the company. The cause of the problem is attributed in 30 percent of cases to women, 30 percent in men and in 25 percent of cases to both, but the cause is unknown in the remaining 15 percent of cases. In 2019, the global fertility supplements market was valued at US$1.47 billion, and over the next decade, it is expected to increase at a compound annual rate of 7.8 percent, notes Biosearch Life. 

It further highlights that currently, North America is the market leader, but Asia Pacific is likely to experience a higher growth rate over the next few years. Additionally, the trend in this market leans toward products that include natural ingredients, which are of great interest to Biosearch Life. 

In March, the company launched a €2.3 million (S$2.6 million) initiative to target novel solutions to prevent and treat health problems during the preconception stage, pregnancy and lactation. The following month, it began a clinical trial examining the effect of its Hereditum Immunactiv K8 product on COVID-19.

Other companies are also making moves, with Chr. Hansen recently acquiring HSO Health Care to bolster its position in the probiotics for women’s health space. At the time, the company highlighted opportunities for expansion into the fertility space. Meanwhile, ADM Biopolis already offers some supplements for both male and female fertility. 

Also addressing demands for natural reproductive care, Evoferm Biosciences’ Phexxi is touted as being a new class of female-controlled birth control for use in-the-moment and works by maintaining the vaginal pH within the normal range of 3.5 to 4.5 – an acidic environment that is inhospitable to sperm.

By Katherine Durrell