Bened Biomedica’s “Second Brain” psychobiotic probiotic strain PS128 will become available under an exclusive distribution agreement in Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Albania.
The Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 strain, which is available in sachet form each containing 30bn Colony Forming units (CFU), is scheduled for the first quarter of 2020.
“It’s inspiring that through close cooperation with a trustworthy partner such as Beopanax, we are able to successfully bring Psychobiotic PS128 to the target market quickly and benefit more and more people around the world,” says Frankie Cheng, CEO of Bened Biomedical.
“Bened is already collaborating with many leading nutraceutical and pharmaceutical companies in Europe and the rest of the world. We are glad to announce our collaboration with the top Balkans health-oriented company Beopanax.”
Lactobacillus plantarum
As well as cognitive benefits, the Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 strain is said to be able to address gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome or constipation.
As a psychobiotic though, the Taiwanese-based firm have demonstrated via animal studies that chronic administration of the strain significantly ameliorates anxiety and depression-like behaviors.
The study also points to increased dopaminergic activity in the prefrontal cortex, and reduced stress-induced elevation of serum corticosterone and inflammatory cytokine levels in mice.
Oral administration with Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 is also said to significantly decrease visceral hypersensitivity in a rat animal model.
PS128 is currently sold in 15 countries, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, and the US, with Bened currently in negotiations with distributors in Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan and India.
Along with the Balkan region, Bened is also targeting a number of European countries, specifically the Commonwealth of Independent States countries.
Ecomer and Carvaxyl
“It is common for all our partners to invest in R&D and have clinical studies for their products,” adds Tatjana Filippi, Beopanax’s managing director.
“From nature they choose unique substances that, through the process of high-tech production, are transformed into products of superior quality.”
Formed in 1997, Bened Biomedical joins Sweden’s Natumin Pharma, France’s Serelys Pharma and PPM ingredients from Germany, as firms who have a partnership with Beopanax.
Beopanax also produces a range of health and wellbeing products that include its shark liver oil offering Ecomer and Carvaxyl, its patented antibacterial P73 formula obtained from wild oregano varieties.