OptiBiotix Health Regulatory News (OPTI)

27 January 2020

OptiBiotix Health plc

("OptiBiotix" or the "Company")

Launch of LPLDL® product with AlfaSigma

ProBiotix Health, a fully-owned subsidiary of OptiBiotix Health plc (AIM: OPTI), a life sciences business developing compounds to tackle obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and skin care, communicate that ALFASIGMA S.p.A. ("ALFASIGMA") has recently announced the launch of a food supplement containing the cholesterol reducing LPLDL® probiotic strain developed by ProBiotix Health. ALFASIGMA will market this first of its kind nutraceutical probiotic in Italy for cholesterol reduction. This agreement follows on from the announcement (RNS: 21 June 2018) that OptiBiotix had entered into license agreement with "ALFASIGMA" to exclusively commercialise food supplements containing OptiBiotix's cholesterol and blood pressure reducing LPLDL® strain in Italy.

ALFASIGMA, is a multinational pharmaceutical company with 2018 revenues in excess of €1 billion and around 3000 employees globally. Whilst Italy is its core market, ALFASIGMA is present in more than 90 countries through distributors and subsidiaries.

The launch is being supported by an extensive marketing campaign aimed at General Practitioners, cardiologist, and pharmacists, to promote treatment of at risk patients using a natural, scientifically formulated, food supplement. Italy is the largest probiotic supplement market in Europe, and the second largest market in the world, with an estimated >$500 million probiotic supplements market, and a 25% per annum growth forecast to 2021*.

*Market data from 'TRENDS, INNOVATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES DRIVING THE GLOBAL PROBIOTICS MARKET' (Euromonitor International June 2017).

Stephen Prescott, Chief Executive of ProBiotix Health, commented: "We are pleased to communicate the launch of a new product developed by one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Italy and containing our cholesterol reducing probiotic, LPLDL®. Italy is the largest and fastest growing probiotic market in Europe and we are pleased to partner with a company with such a strong track record in food supplements and pharmaceuticals for cardiovascular health. The launch of this product is another step in establishing LPLDL® as a global probiotic brand. This agreement is another step in building ProBiotix Health into a profitable business in 2020."

For further information, please contact:

About OptiBiotix - www.optibiotix.com

OptiBiotix Health plc (AIM: OPTI), which was formed in March 2012, brings science to the development of compounds which modify the human microbiome - the collective genome of the microbes in the body - in order to prevent and manage human disease and promote wellness. 

OptiBiotix has an extensive R&D programme working with leading academics in the development of microbial strains, compounds, and formulations which are used as active ingredients and supplements. More than 20 international food and healthcare supplement companies have signed agreements with OptiBiotix to incorporate their human microbiome modulators into a wide range of food products and drinks.

OptiBiotix is also developing its own range of consumer supplements and health products. The Company's current areas of focus include obesity, cardiovascular health, and diabetes. 

About Alfasigma - www.alfasigma.com 

Alfasigma is a leading Italian pharmaceutical company, present in more than 90 countries, with a workforce of more than 3,000 people and 5 manufacturing plants around the world. More than 44% of Alfasigma turnover comes from internally developed proprietary products, one of which is XIFAXAN. More information is available at the Alfasigma website at: http://www.alfasigma.com/en