The product, which is a blend of prebiotics, including fermentable fiber (beta-glucan and inulin) and polyphenol antioxidants in a drink mix, will launch in 2018, said the company. A brand name is still under investigation and should be selected soon, a spokesperson for the company told us.
“This product is a scientific formulation of natural ingredients designed to support a balanced GI microbiome and promote metabolic health, in an easy-to-use, flavorful drink mix,” said Dale Pfost, acting CEO of MicroBiome Therapeutics. “Our two clinical trials, conducted at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and reported in peer-reviewed publications, demonstrated its benefits in helping to manage hunger, maintain healthy blood sugar levels and promote regularity.”
Findings from those two clinical trials were published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology and the Journal of Diabetes and its Complications.
The spokesperson added that the dietary supplement product will initially launch via e-commerce supported by social media conducted in partnership with New Orleans-based advertising agency Zehnder Communications, plus a network of registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators. Retail distribution will be built out in the next phase.
Financing
The Series B financing raised approximately $1 million. New and existing investors included Lagniappe Angels, NO/LA Angel Network, Zehnder Communications and other private investors.
“With MicroBiome Therapeutics, we saw a unique opportunity to apply our product launch expertise in support of an exciting, first-in-class product from a leading science-based company,” said Jeremy Hunnewell, CFO and Business Strategist for Zehnder Communications.
“We believe our expertise, along with our integrative and analytical approaches, will enable MBT to inform and educate consumers about this exciting new type of health-promoting dietary supplement. Our investment reinforces our commitment to making a difference by playing a part in the microbiome revolution.” Hunnewell will be joining the board of directors of MBT.