Distribution agreement announced between Lallemand Health Solutions and Kirin Holdings

In a recent press release,¹ Lallemand Health Solutions and Kirin Holdings Company, Limited, disclosed that the two companies have partnered together through a distribution agreement for the product Immuse, created by Kirin Holdings Company, Limited, to help "bring advanced immune health solutions to consumers worldwide."

The supplement is a postbiotic containing a heat-inactivated strain called Lactococcus lactis. The strain’s plasma triggers the activation of important immune cells called plasmacytoid dendritic cells.¹ These cells help provide immune support through the stimulation of “innate and adaptive immune responses.”¹ According to the press release, Immuse has been a part of 15 clinical studies and delves into some of the key findings in those studies. For example, a 2016 study showed a reduction in sore throat severity and cold-like symptoms.^1-3 Another study in 2017,^1,2,4 found that Immuse helped with strengthening the body’s immune response. Additionally, Immuse was found to have immune system supporting benefits for healthy athletes in a 2018 study which showed that athletes who had received the supplement experienced less fatigue and decreased sneeze and runny nose symptoms when compared to the placebo group.^1,2,5

Daiji Niwa, executive officer, general manager of the Health Science Business Department at Kirin Holdings, said,¹ “With over 130 years of fermentation expertise and nearly 40 years of immunity research, Kirin Holdings has developed the innovative postbiotic Immuse. We trust Lallemand is the ideal partner to advance this mission and promote health and wellness.”

Isabelle Champié, vice president of sales and marketing at Lallemand Health Solutions, explained,¹ “With 90 years of expertise in microbial solutions, we offer science-backed, customized probiotic and postbiotic formulas for nutritional supplements, food and beverage applications and pet supplements. Immuse from Kirin Holdings will be a great addition to our portfolio, bringing a documented solution for immune health to meet the increasing market demand.”

Immuse is offered in a variety of dosage formats. To learn more about the immune health supplement, visit Lallemand Health Solutions’ Booth #4C26 at Vitafoods Europe 2025 in Barcelona, Spain during May 20-22, 2025.

References

1. LHS & Kirin Partner to distribute proven Postbiotic IMMUSE® https://www.lallemand-health-solutions.com/en/news-trends/press-releases/lallemand-health-solutions-and-kirin-holdings-announce-distribution-agreement-for-scientifically-proven-postbiotic-immuse/ (accessed May 19, 2025).
2. Scientific advantage https://immusehealth.com/storage/app/media/pdfs/IMMUSE-Scientific-Advantage-whitepaper.pdf (accessed May 19, 2025).
3. Shibata T, et. al., Lactococcus lactis JCM5805 activates anti-viral immunity and reduces symptoms of common cold and influenza in healthy adults in a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Functional Foods. 2016;24:492-500.
4. Fujii T, et. al., Effects of heat-killed Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis JCM 5805 on mucosal and systemic immune parameters, and antiviral reactions to influenza virus in healthy adults; a randomized controlled double-blind study. Journal of Functional Foods. 2017;35:513-521.
5. Komano Y, et. al., Efficacy of heat-killed Lactococcus lactis JCM 5805 on immunity and fatigue during consecutive high intensity exercise in male athletes: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2018;15(1):39.