Wellmune

EAGAN, MN – May 9, 2013 – The role that a natural immune health ingredient can play in reducing the incidence of cold and flu symptoms is the subject of a research presentation on Tuesday, May 14 during Vitafoods Europe in Geneva, Switzerland. The session, “Wellmune WGP Beta-Glucan Reduces Cold & Flu Symptoms,” will focus on the clinical evidence supporting a yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan derived from a propriety strain of baker’s yeast.

Typical cold and flu symptoms, such as upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), are caused by rhinovirus and influenza viruses. In multiple peer-reviewed, published clinical studies Wellmune WGP^® was found to be effective in reducing URTI symptoms and improved overall physical health.

“There is an extensive body of published, peer reviewed science that demonstrates the safety, mechanism of action and effectiveness of Wellmune WGP in shortening the duration and severity of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms in both well and stressed subjects,” said Don Cox, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of R&D, Healthcare Group, Biothera, who will deliver the presentation.

Wellmune is  made from a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It safely boosts key immune cells to help keep the body healthy.

Cox will provide highlights of the peer-reviewed, published clinical research Biothera has conducted and discuss Wellmune’s mechanism of action, toxicology data and pre-clinical data that provides proof of concept on ingredient efficacy.

“Immune support is one of the most sought-after functional benefits among consumers,” said Richard G. Mueller, CEO, Biothera. “A well-researched ingredient like Wellmune enables food and beverage companies to meet this market need with a solution that is flexible for a wide range of food and beverage applications.”

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is a proprietary baker’s yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan that is clinically proven to boost key immune cells that keep the body healthy. This natural food, beverage and supplement ingredient has regulatory approval around the world, including GRAS status in the U.S. and novel foods approval in Europe and China. Wellmune is available in more than 100 products in more than 50 countries around the world. It is also patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free. In addition to receiving an IFT Innovation Award, Wellmune has received a SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award. Wellmune WGP is a product of Biothera, a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.

Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)
dwalsh@biothera.com

Clinical Research on Yeast Beta Glucan Highlighted at SCAN Symposium,
a Premier Forum for Sports Dietitians 

EAGAN, MN – May 8, 2013 — Adding an immune booster to the diet as part of a sports training program such as marathon training can help runners recover from tough workouts, enabling them to train harder and longer, according to research presented at the SCAN Symposium in Chicago on April 28. Staying healthy is critical to effective training for runners and other competitive and elite athletes because high-intensity exercise can create an “open window” in the body’s immune defenses that may derail training programs and performance gains.

“How Powering the Immune System Can Power Athletic Performance,” was presented by Joy Dubost, Ph.D., RD, CSSD, Biothera Healthcare Scientific Advisory Board member and Don Cox, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, R&D, Healthcare Group, Biothera. The session focused on dietary interventions to support the immune health of athletes. It included key findings from nine human clinical studies with marathoners, cyclists and others enduring high physical and lifestyle stress that demonstrate how Wellmune WGP^®, a natural immune health ingredient, can boost immune defenses before, during and after exercise. Wellmune harnesses the body’s natural defenses to safely boost immune cells to keep the body healthy. It is a proprietary yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan.

“Protein, energy and recovery products have long been the focus of sports nutrition. Wellmune is an example of how a dietary intervention to support immune health can give athletes an ‘invisible edge,’” said Richard G. Mueller, CEO, Biothera.

An estimated 300 dietitians attended the Wellmune-sponsored breakfast presentation. The SCAN Symposium is an annual event of the Sports, Cardiovascular and Wellness Nutrition practice group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

For more information for dietitians regarding dietary interventions to support immune health for athletes and a copy of the presentation visit http://www.wellmune.com/for-dietitians/sports-nutrition/.

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is a proprietary baker’s yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan that is clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy. This natural food, beverage and supplement ingredient has regulatory approval around the world, including GRAS status in the U.S. and novel foods approval in Europe and China. Wellmune is available in more than 100 products in more than 50 countries around the world. It is also patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free. In addition to receiving an IFT Innovation Award, Wellmune has received a SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award. Wellmune WGP is a product of Biothera, a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.

Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)
dwalsh@biothera.com

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EAGAN, MN — April 23, 2013 — Biothera has named Toong Yeuan Enterprise Co., Ltd. as the exclusive distributor in Taiwan of its clinically proven immune boosting ingredients for foods, beverages and supplements. Biothera is the manufacturer of Wellmune WGP^®, which numerous clinical studies demonstrate can strengthen key immune cells that help keep the body healthy. Wellmune, a beta 1,3/1,6 glucan from a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast, is an award-winning ingredient in products in more than 50 countries.

“Over the past quarter century Toong Yeuan Enterprise has built a strong presence in Taiwan through its excellent sales team,” said Richard Mueller, chief executive officer of Biothera. “Toong Yeuan’s expertise in representing science-based and proprietary ingredients such as Wellmune WGP make the company a great fit for Biothera.”

“Immune health is an important focus in in today’s society and fundamental to our well-being,” said David Wang, Chairman of Toong Yeuan Enterprise. “We are delighted to add the science-based immune health ingredient Wellmune WGP into our ingredient portfolio and we are excited to be working together with Biothera in development of Taiwan market.”

About Toong Yeuan Enterprise Co, Ltd.

Toong Yeuan Enterprise Co., Ltd. was established in 1987 in Taiwan. Its focus has evolved from health food distribution to technology driven food additives & ingredients and now to marketing & branding driven functional ingredients. In 26 years, Toong Yeuan has created many trends in the market, from new health topics to innovative product applications that have made it one of the leading ingredient distributors in Taiwan.

Through a combination of professional staff and high quality ingredients, Toong Yeuan is committed to providing a total solution to the food and health industries. This is achieved in the spirit of “Honesty, Smart Working and Innovation,” coupled with a commitment to “Expertise, Technology and Service.”

As the human lifespan is extending through the advancement of medical sciences and public health awareness, Toong Yeuan is dedicated to improving quality of life and wellbeing. Toong Yeuan believes it has a social responsibility to provide specialty ingredients to make healthy functional foods, beverages and nutraceuticals available to consumers.

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is beta 1,3/1,6 glucan derived from a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast that is clinically proven to boost the performance of key immune cells that are part of the body’s first line of defense. This unique food, beverage and supplement ingredient has regulatory approval around the world, including GRAS status in the U.S. and novel foods approval in Europe and China. It is also patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free. In addition to receiving an IFT Innovation Award, Wellmune has received a SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award. Wellmune WGP is a product of Biothera, a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.

Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4652 (direct)
dwalsh@biothera.com

When we opened up the April 2013 issue of Functional Ingredients magazine we were delighted to see that Wellmune WGP was named a “Top Ten Stress Buster” by Shawn M. Talbott, PhD. in an article about natural alternatives to traditional ways to manage symptoms of stress. Dr. Talbott is an expert source on supplementation and recently appeared on the Dr. Oz Show. The article comes on the heels of another accolade for Wellmune WGP – with Delicious Living magazine recently naming Immune Health Basics “Best Immunity” product in its 2013 Supplement Awards.

In the article, Dr. Talbott noted the clinical studies with Wellmune that focus on improving mood.

Dr. Talbott added in his commentary that in addition to the difficulties people have changing behaviors, “I believe that many people fail to take advantage of natural stress busters such as exercise or dietary supplements, simply because the idea that stress can seriously damage health has not really sunk in – including for many in the medical profession.”

EAGAN, MN — March 21, 2013 — Biothera and its Hong Kong-based master distributor Maxland Enterprises have named Shanghai Toong Yeuan Food Technology Co., Ltd. as the China distributor of Biothera’s immune health ingredients for foods, beverages and supplements.

Shanghai Toong Yeuan Food Technology will represent Wellmune WGP^®, the industry leading immune health ingredient from Biothera that is clinically proven to boost the performance of key immune cells that help keep the body healthy.  Nine clinical studies support the safety and efficacy of Wellmune WGP, a beta 1,3/1,6 glucan from a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast.

“Shanghai Toong Yeuan specializes in the sale of proprietary ingredients that are backed by credible science,” said Richard Mueller, chief executive officer of Biothera. “This focus, along with their well-established relationships with major food, beverage and supplement companies in China, makes Shanghai Toong Yeuan an excellent representative for Wellmune in this important market.”

“We are excited about the strong scientific evidence, safety and efficacy behind Wellmune WGP,” said David Wang, Chairman of Shanghai Toong Yeuan Food Technology. “We are confident that this ingredient has the potential to greatly contribute to the wellness of the people of China.”

Shanghai Toong Yeuan Food Technology Co., Ltd. will participate in Food Ingredients China on March 26-28 in Shanghai. The company will sponsor a seminar on the morning of Tuesday, March 26 during which John Blocher, Ph.D., assistant vice president for Research & Development at Biothera, will discuss science of Wellmune WGP and present clinical research results with this unique ingredient.  FI China is one of the most specialized trade events for food ingredients and additives in China, attracting more than 800 exhibitors.

About Shanghai Toong Yeuan Food Technology Co., Ltd.
Shanghai Toong Yeuan Food Technology Co., Ltd. is a highly respected and professional food ingredient supplier that has been serving China for 16 years. The company is primarily focused on functional ingredients that can help food manufacturers increase the value of their products and deliver science-based health benefits to consumers. Shanghai Toong Yeuan Food Technology is a strategic partner of many well-known companies and has extensive experience with immune-boosting ingredients.

About Wellmune WGP^{®
Wellmune WGP is beta 1,3/1,6 glucan derived from a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast that is clinically proven to boost the performance of key immune cells that are part of the body’s first line of defense. This unique food, beverage and supplement ingredient has regulatory approval around the world, including GRAS status in the U.S. and novel foods approval in Europe and China. It is also patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free. In addition to receiving an IFT Innovation Award, Wellmune has received a SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award. Wellmune WGP is a product of Biothera, a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.}

Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)
dwalsh@biothera.com

In anticipation of his presentation as part of the Preventative Health and Immunity session at Vitafoods Europe in May, Biothera’s Don Cox, Ph.D., senior vice president, Healthcare Group R&D, Biothera, offers 10 tips for evaluating immune health ingredients. For more information on the program visit http://www.vitafoods.eu.com/conference.

Dietary interventions to support immune health are bringing new excitement to the food and beverage industry. Here are 10 factors to consider when evaluating immune health ingredients:

1. Ingredient safety: Ensure that the ingredient has safety data published in a peer-reviewed toxicology journal and reviewed by EFSA (EU), the US FDA and/or other leading regulatory agencies. Request and review the government’s regulatory letters.
2. Mechanism of action: Studies should be conducted in a manner that demonstrates the mechanism of action as measured by its effect on the innate or acquired immune system. Independent, peer-reviewed, published research is best.
3. Method of boosting: Some immune boosters provide temporary stimulation and create an artificial and unnatural state that may damage the body if taken too long. Others safely boost the body’s natural immune mechanisms to respond to a challenge, maintain immune system balance and can be taken year-round.
4. Quality and quantity of the clinical research: Look for multiple peer-reviewed, published, high quality studies with consistent outcomes. Peer-reviewed, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical studies are the gold standard.
5. Research source: Examine whether the research was conducted with the specific ingredient or borrowed from other products. Borrowed science is junk science. The specific biological strain or chemical structure matters.
6. Study design: Design is important to eliminate unintentional bias. Understand and weigh the merits of single blind, open label, double blind, and crossover study designs. While all are valid designs, double-blind studies and crossover design eliminate data variations owing to the physical make up of each treatment group.
7. Outcomes employed: The major forms of outcomes of scientific and regulatory interest are biomarker outcomes and physical health outcomes. Many outcomes can be misinterpreted or are surrogates for the clinical endpoint. Outcomes in human clinical studies must have a demonstrable positive benefit for humans.  Outcome selection is not always clear cut.
8. Ingredient characterization: The health benefit activity must be attributed to known component(s) with well defined molecular structure.  Characterization allows for measurement and standardization required for establishing serving recommendations, consistency in manufacturing and stability and shelf-life testing. Identifying the active component is necessary for determining the desired health effect; it also provides confidence that the efficacy or stability is the same from batch to batch.
9. Serving size determination: Ensure that the ingredient’s dose-response data supports the recommended daily serving. A demonstration of dose response is the best indicator of optimum or effective serving.
10. Formulation characteristics: No matter how safe or effective the ingredient, it is essential that it can be formulated into foods and beverages so that the ingredient doesn’t break down and lose its potency if exposed to heat, pH or pressure required in the manufacturing process.  It is critical that appropriate analytical methods be available to quantify the amount of the ingredient present in the food or beverage after processing and at the end of the projected shelf life of the product.

EAGAN, MN – March 4, 2013 – Immune Health Basics^®, the clinically proven dietary supplement that activates key immune cells that help keep the body healthy, was named the best immune health supplement for 2013 by Delicious Living magazine.

Immune Health Basics contains Wellmune WGP^®, a natural beta 1,3/1,6 glucan from a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast.  Numerous peer-reviewed human clinical studies consistently demonstrate the ability of Wellmune WGP to reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, particularly during periods of physical or lifestyle stress. In addition to improving overall well-being, Wellmune also enhanced vigor and mental clarity.

Delicious Living collected nominations for its 2013 Supplement Awards from its advisory board, experienced retailers, manufacturers and readers.  It assessed ingredients, certifications, and the nominees’ uniqueness and vetted its short list with the magazine’s medical editor, Robert Rountree, MD.

“The recognition of Immune Health Basic’s safety and efficacy is gratifying,” said Richard Mueller, chief executive officer of Biothera, the manufacturer of Immune Health Basics and Wellmune WGP.  “Backed by credible research and the highest standards of quality, Immune Health Basics is ideal for strengthening your immune health every day.”

About Immune Health Basics

Immune Health Basics products include dietary supplements for adults and children, including gummies fortified with multi-vitamins, minerals and Wellmune WGP. Immune Health Basics is available at Vitamin Shoppes, Sprouts, Whole Foods and numerous health and nutrition retailers across the U.S. For more information visit http://www.immunehealthbasics.com.

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is a proprietary baker’s yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan that is clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy. This natural food, beverage and supplement ingredient has regulatory approval around the world, including GRAS status in the U.S. and novel foods approval in Europe and China. Wellmune is available in more than 100 products in more than 50 countries around the world. It is also patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free. In addition to receiving an IFT Innovation Award, Wellmune has received a SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award. Wellmune WGP is a product of Biothera, a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.

Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)
dwalsh@biothera.com

As part of our ongoing commitment to increase understanding of the link between nutrition and immune health, we are pleased to make available an archive of the first in a series of continuing education modules for dietitians! The webinar, presented by Philip Calder, BSc (Hons), PhD, DPhil, RNutr, Professor of Nutritional Immunology, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine) was hosted by the Dietiitans in Integrative an Functional Medicine Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

This one-hour webinar explored the immune system, a complex system of cells and tissues that protects the human body from invading pathogens. Dr. Calder, a leading nutritional immunologist, highlighted the growing body of clinical understanding about the role that good nutrition plays in immune health throughout the lifecycle, and the importance of immune health to overall health and well being. He shared the latest clinical insights on enhancing immune function and conclude with several examples of novel dietary immune interventions.

Click here for a link to the webinar.

Click here for more about Dr. Calder.

At 12 weeks, there was a 58% reduction in upper respiratory tract infection symptoms

EAGAN, MN — February 7, 2013 — Wellmune WGP^®, a natural immune health ingredient from Biothera, may help stressed women maintain protection against the symptoms of colds, flu and stressors of everyday life, according to results of a new study just published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Click here for a link to the abstract. The study found that moderately to highly stressed women experienced fewer upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms and higher energy levels while taking Wellmune WGP, a functional ingredient in foods, beverages and supplements in more than 50 countries.

Wellmune WGP, a baker’s yeast beta glucan, is clinically proven to safely prime the immune system to keep the body healthy. Numerous peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that Wellmune WGP mobilizes billions of innate immune cells that are part of the body’s natural defenses without stimulating the immune system.

Study Design and Results

Seventy-seven healthy women (age 38 + 12 yrs) pre-screened for moderate levels of psychological stress were given either a placebo or 250 mg of Wellmune WGP daily for 12 weeks.  Only 10% of the Wellmune group reported upper respiratory tract infection symptoms (sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, and cough) compared with 29% for the control group (p value ≤ 0.05).  In other words, the Wellmune group had a 58% reduction in reported URTI symptoms.

The study used the Profile of Mood States (POMS) psychological survey to assess changes in mental/physical energy levels (Vigor) and overall well-being (Global Mood State).  Vigor improved 41% in women taking Wellmune WGP compared with 7% in the control group (p value <0.05).  Similarly, the Global Mood State of women taking Wellmune improved 29% compared with 16% in the placebo group (p value <0.05).

“This is the first published study exploring the effects of Wellmune WGP on women, a population that arguably faces stressors,” Richard Mueller, chief executive officer, Biothera. “This is actionable information for women who are seeking more and better ways to keep pace with their daily lives.”

“Daily supplementation with Wellmune made a noticeable difference in maintaining health and a positive mental attitude among psychologically stressed women,” said Shawn Talbott, Ph.D., research director at SupplementWatch and lead investigator on the study. “The regimen resulted in reduced incidence of upper respiratory symptoms and improved psychological well being.”

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is a proprietary baker’s yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan that is clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy. This natural food, beverage and supplement ingredient has regulatory approval around the world, including GRAS status in the U.S. and novel foods approval in Europe and China. Wellmune is available in more than 100 products in more than 50 countries around the world. It is also patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free. In addition to receiving an IFT Innovation Award, Wellmune has received a SupplySide West Scientific Excellence Award and a Frost & Sullivan Excellence in Research Award. Wellmune WGP is a product of Biothera, a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.

Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
(651) 256-4606 (direct)
dwalsh@biothera.com

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EAGAN, MN − January 31, 2013 − Biothera announced today that Joy Dubost, Ph.D., RD, CSSD, has joined its board of scientific advisors. In this role Dr. Dubost will help guide the company in its outreach initiatives to dietitians and food and beverage manufacturers for Wellmune WGP^®, Biothera’s clinically proven immune health ingredient.

Dr. Dubost is president of Dubost Food and Nutrition Solutions LLC and an expert source of evidence-based information within the food, beverage and nutrition communities. She has been a media spokesperson for a number of professional organizations and serves on the Nutrition Division leadership team for the Institute of Food Technologists. She is also a recognized speaker at industry events, a sought-after expert among professional and consumer media and has published a number of peer-reviewed scientific papers. Dr. Dubost has worked in the areas of clinical nutrition, nutrition communications, public policy, recipe and product development, and nutrition education.