Lonza Enters Probiotic Market

Lonza Inc. (Basel, Switzerland) has entered the probiotic market by way of an agreement with Organobalance GmbH (Berlin, Germany) to develop, produce and commercialize products with the German company's probiotic strain Lactobacillus anti-H. pylori.

The good bacterial strain is supposed to acts against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria believed to be a common cause of peptic ulcers and gastritis.

Lonza says the patent-protected probiotic works by binding to H. pylori to form large aggregates, making it possible for the bacteria to be excreted from the stomach.

Research published in The Journal of Pediatrics concludes that as much as 50% of the world population is infected with H. pylori. The infection is more prevalent in developing countries. Failure to treat it can result in a lifelong infection.

“This agreement with Organobalance creates a basis for Lonza to enter the probiotic market-a market with vast growth potential-with a unique ingredient,” says Roman Quinter, senior vice president and head of nutrition ingredients business for Lonza. “Lonza is a global leader in the manufacturing of intermediates and API’s for the pharmaceutical industry through biotechnology and fermentation. Integrating the Lactobacillus anti-H. pylori strain into our nutrition ingredient portfolio provides an opportunity to leverage our strong biotech expertise and knowledge to provide a highly effective product to the nutrition landscape.“