Health Canada Authorizes Probiotic Strain CLEPIUS™ for Alleviating Digestive Discomfort and Stress

Health Canada Authorizes Probiotic Strain CLEPIUS™ for Alleviating Digestive Discomfort and Stress

(IN BRIEF) Health Canada has approved functional claims for Novonesis’ probiotic strain CLEPIUS™, acknowledging its efficacy in alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and improving quality of life in adults. The authorization encompasses a range of benefits, including relief from abdominal pain and diarrhea, as well as support for overall gastrointestinal health and promotion of a favorable gut flora. Additionally, CLEPIUS™ is authorized to help alleviate perceived stress and enhance the quality of life for individuals with IBS, signaling a significant advancement in gut-brain axis research. The approval underscores the strong scientific backing and quality assurance behind CLEPIUS™, positioning it as a credible solution for digestive health and stress management.

(PRESS RELEASE) COPENHAGEN, 12-Mar-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Few health challenges are as unpleasant and discomforting as those associated with gastrointestinal health. Who has not experienced abdominal pain, irregular bowel movements, flatulence or bloating and occasional loose stools? According to WHO, around one third of the global population experiences digestive discomfort at some stage in their life. IBS, irritable bowel syndrome, is one of the most common functional bowel disorders with an estimated prevalence of 4-9% (1), associated with ongoing gastrointestinal discomfort.

Supplementation with selected probiotic strains may benefit gastrointestinal health, but it can prove difficult to find the needle in the haystack. Now the Canadian health authority, Health Canada, has authorized the below functional claims for Novonesis’ probiotic strain CLEPIUS™ L. plantarum, Novonesis being the new combination of Chr. Hansen and Novozymes:

• Helps relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in adults
• Helps improve abdominal pain severity in adults with irritable bowel syndrome
• Helps reduce diarrhea duration in adults with irritable bowel syndrome
• Helps relieve diarrhea in adults with irritable bowel syndrome
• Helps support intestinal/gastrointestinal health
• Could promote a favorable gut flora

Crossing over to the ‘gut-brain axis’, CLEPIUS™ L. plantarum is further authorized to

• Help alleviate perceived stress in adults with irritable bowel syndrome.
• Help to improve irritable bowel syndrome-related quality of life in adults.

The gut-brain axis has become one of the most cutting-edge areas of research over recent years, diving into how the fascinating interplay between the brain, gut and microbiome can impact physical health as well as mental well-being. It is well-known, for example, that people living with IBS frequently report feeling sad, embarrassed and self-conscious, which impacts their quality of life and could even limit participation in social activities (2).

Science-backed, quality-stamped
We are very pleased that CLEPIUS™, one of our newest probiotic strains has received official Canadian health claims. The strain is part of the strong clinically documented product portfolio from Novonesis, our new company name from the merger between Novozymes and Chr. Hansen,” says Jakob D. Rasmussen, Vice President Human Health.

“Officially registered health claims will drive increased interest in our clinically documented probiotics, as they provide guidance to consumers in making informed health choices and selecting the right probiotics for themselves. It is our experience that such official functional claims reinforce consumer confidence that the products are of high quality, safe and effective, also when it comes to influencing psychological distress related to digestive challenges,” Jakob notes.

His colleague, Niklas Larsson, Head of Scientific Affairs Human Health, points to the quality stamp of the science behind the products:

“We are excited about the strong science behind this probiotic strain, which resulted in a fast recognition by Health Canada. It is not only putting a quality stamp on the science that backs CLEPIUS™, but also adding credibility to our offering in the emerging field of the gut-brain axis,” states Niklas adding that CLEPIUS™ shows significant health benefits already after four weeks for both gut health and perceived stress, at 1 billion CFU a day (1 billion live probiotic bacteria contained in a serving).

References

1 Oka et al., Lancet Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2020; 5: 908-917.
2 International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD). IBS patients: Their illness experience and unmet needs. An online study. 2009.

CLEPIUS™ is a trademark of Chr. Hansen A/S, part of Novonesis Group.
This communication is only intended for business-to-business and healthcare professionals. This communication is not intended for consumers on final consumer goods. Please check your local regulations for acceptable claims in the market.

About Novonesis
Novonesis is a global company leading the era of biosolutions. By leveraging the power of microbiology with science, we transform the way the world produces, consumes and lives. In more than 30 industries, our biosolutions are already creating value for thousands of customers and benefiting the planet. Our 10,000 people worldwide work closely with our partners and customers to transform business with biology.

Let’s better our world with biology.

Media Contact:

Kathrine Westermann
Head of Media Relations
Corporate Communications

SOURCE: Novozymes A/S