Despite the teeming immune support field, the company said their science speaks for itself: “As an international health ingredients manufacturer, Kyowa Hakko and Kirin were confident, based on Immuse's unique mechanism of action and human trials, that the paraprobiotic would make an excellent fit into the growing immunity market. As a standalone or into a mixed ingredient formulation, Immuse can easily be added to an existing portfolio of products or developed into a new line of products,” explained Elyse Lovett, MS, MBA, senior marketing manager at Kyowa Hakko USA.
Paraprobiotic
Immuse, discovered by Kirin Holdings, a pioneer in fermentation technology, is said to act by activating plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). pDC has been shown to activate pivotal cells such as NK, Killer-T, Helper-T, and B cells, providing broad range immune support.
The dietary supplement ingredient is a unique patented strain of Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma characterized as a heat-killed lactic acid bacteria (paraprobiotic) that functions to activate the immune system.
Kirin Holdings said they have continued their research into Lactococcus Plasma since its discovery, including various experiments that suggest effective anti-viral defense mechanisms.
Functional ingredients
Immuse is already on market as a finished product in Japan, where it is sold in the form of gummies, tablets, yogurt, and functional beverages. The product can be found in a wide variety of applications including tablets, capsules and gummy formulations.
The Immuse products will be the first and only products in Japan to display an immune-related function on the product.
Lovett told NutraIngredients-USA that Kirin Holdings and Kirin Beverage recently launched six new products containing the Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma. “These six Immuse-branded products that utilize Lactococcus lactis strain Plasma were registered as Foods with Functional Claims with Japan’s Consumer Affairs Agency (CAA). When registration is accepted by the CAA, labeling of “functional claims” (usually health benefits) on products becomes possible.”
“We could not be more thrilled to integrate the immune support benefits of IMMUSE into the US market,” said Lovett. “With more consumers looking for ways to enhance their immune system and stay healthy throughout the year, we are confident that Immuse, backed by both Kirin Holdings and Kyowa Hakko, will open new doors for consumers desiring a novel option for brand range immune support.”
