EFSA OKs Wellmune WPG® as Novel Food

EAGAN, Minn.The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies approved Wellmune WGP® (from Biothera) as a novel food, making it the only yeast-derived beta glucan to receive the novel food designation and be permitted for use in foods, beverages and supplements in Europe, according to the company.

 We are pleased with the finding of EFSAs review of our clinical and safety data supporting Wellmune WGP," said Richard Mueller, chief executive officer of Biothera.  We have ongoing discussions with a number of companies about product concepts in anticipation of this opinion from EFSA."

 Food, beverage and supplement products containing Wellmune WGP are sold in more than 30 countries.  Recently, the China Ministry of Health also approved Wellmune WGP by giving the ingredient Novel Foods status.

 Biothera¹s European distribution partner is Immicare AB, based in Sweden. Biothera also works with DKSH for distribution of its ingredients in Italy.

 Wellmune WGP is a natural ingredient derived from the cell wall of a proprietary strain of bakers yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Wellmune WGP is patented, kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO (genetically  modified organism)-free.  The ingredient is recipient of an IFT Innovation Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award. Biothera is a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.