Microbiome health company Biome Australia (ASX: BIO) has launched Biome Cholesterol Probiotic, a clinically proven live biotherapeutic product within the Activated Probiotics brand. Biome Cholesterol Probiotic supports lowering cholesterol levels.
The product, consisting of three specific Lactobacillus plantarum strains helps to significantly improve cholesterol levels and with four supporting human clinical studies which demonstrate significant positive findings.
The product commenced shipments to Biome’s pharmacy and practitioner wholesale partners on Friday 16 August and will be available on pharmacy shelves over the coming weeks.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally. They are responsible for 1 in 4 deaths in Australia, and more than four million Australians report living with. High total cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and/or low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol) are major risk factors for the development of CVD, particularly coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Abnormal cholesterol levels contribute to atherosclerosis: the buildup of fatty deposits in artery walls which can create blockages and prevent blood flow to the heart and brain.
Live biotherapeutic probiotics
Biome Cholesterol has been studied as an adjuvant therapy alongside statins. A 12-week observational study demonstrated that the use of Biome Cholesterol alongside statins reduced LDL cholesterol by 25%, which was greater than the 20% reduction observed in those who used Biome Cholesterol alone.
The scope of the issue and the volume of prescriptions which specifically target high cholesterol presents a significant opportunity for Biome, which will aim to promote the adjunct selling of the new product alongside statins to support increased efficacy of treatment, potentially reduce the dosage of statins to minimise the risk of side effects, and ultimately improve patient outcomes in the community.
For those who don’t tolerate statins or discontinue statin therapy, Biome Cholesterol will provide physicians with an additional therapeutic option to help manage the cholesterol levels of these patients. Biome will also be able to appeal to patients with low to moderate CVD risk who have been advised to make lifestyle and dietary changes to improve their cholesterol and avoid the need for future drug therapy.