Chr. Hansen Launches Pharma-Like Probiotic Study

HOERSHOLM, DenmarkChr. Hansen is looking to prove consuming probiotics helps protect against influenza and the common cold as is launches the largest probiotic immune study of its kind. Using an influenza vaccination model, Chr. Hansens new study involving 1,058 healthy adult participants will investigate how the consumption of L. casei 431®, one of Chr. Hansens flagship probiotic strains, will support healthy peoples immune system in fighting off viral respiratory tract infections.

The multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study clinical study is recruiting participants from September to November 2011. The details about the study called "The effect of Lactobacilli on the immune system of healthy adults" are available at the ISRCTN register of current controlled trials.

Chr. Hansens probiotic portfolio is already among the best scientifically documented in the world, and very recently, an immune study with remarkable findings was published in the British Journal of Nutrition," said Birgit Michelsen, director of scientific affairs, health and nutrition division, Chr. Hansen. The study that we are now initiating will significantly improve the scientific evidence of the immune health benefits of our probiotics in healthy people. The study stands out by being very large, by involving healthy people, and by taking advantage of using the same standards and quality tools as  pharmaceutical studies."

The study is conducted in collaboration with the department of human nutrition, faculty of life sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and the Harrison Clinical Research in Munich, a contract research organization. Professor Lars O. Dragsted, who heads up the University of Copenhagens research team involved in the study, said: We are pleased and proud to be collaborating with Chr. Hansen on this prestigious study. Carrying this unusually large and ambitious study through requires clinical excellence and we expect it to add significant new evidence to the research area and also benefit the University of Copenhagen as a trusted and competent academic partner."