Inked earlier this week, the deal sees Nutragroup, a French ingredient specialist, make available Bimuno available to health and wellbeing formulators in France.
“Europe is one of the largest markets for prebiotics and according to research firm Mordor Intelligence,” explains Per Rehné, CEO of Clasado.
“The category is set to grow at a very robust 7.11% CAGR to 2025 in Europe, so it’s clear to see that demand is still surging.
“We are continuing to transition from an exclusively science-focused business to one that makes the science commercially available and accessible.
Nutragroup is a highly established leader in the health & nutrition market, with a strong presence. We look forward to seeing Bimuno make its mark in the region.”
Bimuno is Clasado’s proprietary galactooligosaccharide (GOS) ingredient that is derived from lactose, a natural component of cow’s milk.
One of the structures in Bimuno’s GOS is 3-galactosyl-lactose which is also found in human breast milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), a favoured substrate by bifidobacteria.
Selective to bifidobacteria
According to Clasado, the GOS in Bimuno is more selective towards bifidobacteria compared to other commercially available prebiotics, which lack this selectivity and can therefore be metabolised by many types of microbes, beneficial or otherwise.
Studies have also shown that in those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), GOS with beta-linkages, such as the one in Bimuno, is advantageous over any plant-based prebiotics, such as FOS and Inulin, which contain fructan groups.
Fructans have been shown to exacerbate symptoms of IBS. Conversely, Bimuno has demonstrated positive effects on symptom relief in IBS sufferers or in individuals suffering from some undiagnosed GI discomfort.
In commercial applications, the ingredient is available in powder or syrup form. Clasado adds that Bimuno is highly stable under a wide range of heat and acidities, making it suitable for a broad range of applications,
These include standalone supplements, including powders and gummies, as well as functional food applications.
“In today’s market, consumer demand is king,” says Kevin Wilson, Business Development Director at Nutragroup.
“With better gut health high on the agenda, we’re proud to add Bimuno to our ingredient range.
“Despite some of the strongest scientific backing for a prebiotic in the sector, it remains remarkably simple for formulators to use, with a low effective dose and stability that means it can be added to formulations at any point in the manufacturing process.
Prebiotic potential
Wilson adds that France, like the wider European market, is acknowledging the potential of prebiotics – the time for formulators and nutrition brands to embrace the benefits is now.
“With Bimuno, the path forward is clear for businesses looking to connect with an engaged and proactive health audience,” he says.
In February 2021, Clasado Biosciences’ revealed details of a new partnership with British Rowing that saw the firm supply the Great Britain (GB) Rowing Team with its Bimuno Travelaid supplement.
The firm supplied its prebiotic pastilles said to aid immune function and athletic performance to the country’s elite rowers in a product designed to increase gut bifidobacteria, a bacteria implicated in improved sporting performance.
