Probiotics to remedy antibiotic effects

New Zealand-based biotechnology company Blis Technologies has launched a new dietary supplement containing Howaru probiotic bacteria, produced by ingredients firm Danisco.

Only available in New Zealand, the new product, Blis Bio Restore, is said to replenish beneficial oral and intestinal bacteria following a course of antibiotics. It contains both the Howaru brand Bifido and Rhamnosus bacteria strains and K12 oral bacteria, used in the company's first product, K12 Throat Guard, launched in May 2002.

Use of antibiotics can deplete the beneficial bacteria needed to protect against antibiotic side effects.

"There's been growing demand from pharmacists for a quality product for intestinal health that complements the oral beneficial bacteria in BLIS K12 Throat Guard. The​ British Medical Journal published a meta analysis report last June on the benefits of intestinal probiotics following antibiotic use, and this raised further interest within the healthcare profession," said Kevin Moffat, chief executive of Blis Technologies.

He added that each year 2.9 million people were prescribed antibiotics in New Zealand, an indicator of the potential market for the new products.

Rhamnosus, is the second strain in Danisco's Howaru range and like the first was licensed from dairy firm NZMP in 2001. The Danish company suggests that more than 20 scientific publications contain evidence of how this probiotic enhances immune functions and protects against intestinal malfunctions.

BLIS​ Bio Restore is a high dose, three day course sold as a package with the K12 Throat Guard in pharmacies, in sachets and lozenges.

Moffat added that there are further probiotic products in the pipeline, with the next aimed at preventing tooth decay. "We have a provisional patent on beneficial strains of bacteria that help protect against tooth decay, and intend to complete clinical trials and have the product available within the next year,"​ he said.

Other products waiting in the wings for development include the prevention and treatment of ear infections, bovine mastitis and acne and skin infections, all using beneficial bacteria produced by Blis.