Chr Hansen venture launches women's health product
and a Canadian biotech company, is launching its first product for
the growing women's health market.
Urex-Cap-5 is designed to prevent bacterial, fungal or yeast infections of the vagina, conditions that cause an estimated 15 million visits to the doctor each year in the US alone.
While current treatments include creams, gels and various applicators, the probiotic specialists are targeting consumers who want to build up resistance to these recurrent infections by 'restoring healthy vaginal microflora'.
It is thought to be the first probiotic product specifically designed to prevent these type of infections.
The product contains probiotic bacteria - more than 5 billion in one Urex-Cap-5 capsule, according to Chr Hansen - produced from strains isolated from healthy women by Urex Biotech. Urex, founded by researchers Dr Gregor Reid and Dr Andrew Bruce, began studying this area in 1973 and now say that their two strains are the most studied next to Lactobacillus GG.
"We have shown in clinical trials, that selected probiotic bacteria can safely and effectively restore and maintain the health of the vagina and bladder," said Dr Bruce.
"This is the difference - in my opinion we have by far the best documentation, the best manufacturer in the world and the best chance of helping stop the cycle of infections and discomfort in women," he added.
Urex-Cap-5 is expected to become available worldwide in the coming months through a network of distributors.
The companies are planning to develop further products specifically targeted at women's health.
American women spend almost $300 million on over-the-counter remedies for 'feminine infections', according to Chr Hansen.
Valued at around $12.9 million (€10.2m) in 2003, the European market for probiotic ingredients in applications for human consumption is currently growing at a rate of 14 per cent, estimates Frost & Sullivan.
