Wellmune

Robust Clinical Research Program Resulting in Proven Health Benefits Cited

EAGAN, MN –May 21, 2013 – Wellmune WGP^®, the natural immune health ingredient for foods, beverages and supplements from Biothera, was awarded “Outstanding Application in Health Management” during the recent NBT Awards event at Vitafoods Europe in Geneva.

The winning entry focused on the rigorous peer-reviewed, published clinical research program for Wellmune that is unmatched by any other immune support ingredient available for functional foods and nutraceuticals. It conclusively demonstrates substantial scientific support for a health claim, based upon establishing a reproducible physical health benefit and correlating biomarkers.

“To win in a popular category, you have to present something outstanding,” said Kevin Robinson, head judge, NBT Awards. “Out of the shortlisted finalists, Biothera’s nomination was the most convincing, offering clear and substantial benefits, strong, peer-reviewed evidence and good quality science.”

“We are gratified to receive this award in recognition of the proven health benefits that Wellmune can bring to a broad range of consumers through functional foods and nutraceuticals,” said Richard G. Mueller, CEO, Biothera. Mueller noted that Wellmune is ideal for boosting immunity every day year round and supports a wide range of immune health needs including year-round immune support, stress management, athletic performance, and energy and vitality.

“With our sole focus on immune health ingredients, Biothera is in a unique position to generate the data necessary to validate an immune health claim, having both the internal research expertise and collaborative research partnerships needed for a program of this magnitude,” added Mueller. The program has resulted in broad regulatory approval worldwide and a wider range of use occasions than is typical for immune boosting ingredients.

The NBT Awards program recognizes and rewards excellence in R&D, marketing, business and technology throughout the nutraceutical, functional food and beverage industry. The mission is to deliver a set of benchmarks to a global audience to achieve significant developments in quality of service, health management, research, development and relationship management. The awards program is held annually during Vitafoods Europe.

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

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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

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

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

EAGAN, MN — February 7, 2013 — Wellmune WGP^®, a natural immune health ingredient from Biothera, may help stressed women stay well, according to results of a new study just published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.

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. At 12 weeks, there was a 58% reduction in URTI symptoms among women taking Wellmune. Click here for a link to the abstract.

Wellmune WGP, a baker’s yeast beta glucan, is clinically proven to safely boost the immune system to help keep the body healthy. Numerous peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that Wellmune WGP activates key 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.

EAGAN, MN – January 24, 2013 – Biothera, the immune health company, today announced that sports nutrition consultant Dave Ellis, RD, CSCS, has joined the Biothera Healthcare Scientific Advisory Board. In this role, Ellis will advise Biothera on its educational outreach to coaches, athletic trainers, athletes and sports dietitians. He will also provide insight to Biothera customers on product development.

A 30-year veteran and thought leader in the sports nutrition arena, Ellis has worked with a prestigious roster of athletes and championship teams from Olympic gold medalists and Cy Young Award winners to NCAA football champions and Super Bowl winners. He is president of Sports Alliance, a consulting firm he founded after 20 years with the University of Nebraska and the University of Wisconsin. He served as the first President of the Collegiate & Professional Sports Dietitian Association and is currently Past President/Ambassador.

“From the training table and performance lab to the product development bench, Dave Ellis has the pulse on what it takes to fuel athletic performance,” said Richard Mueller, CEO, Biothera. “We are thrilled to have him on our team as we build visibility for Wellmune WGP^® in the sports performance field.”

Wellmune is a natural ingredient that primes key immune cells that help keep the body healthy. Peer-reviewed clinical research demonstrates that Wellmune improved immune function in athletes before, during and after intense exercise, which often temporarily weakens the immune system.  In addition, Wellmune reduced the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms.

“If you don’t feel well you can’t train well or attain performance goals,” Dave Ellis said. “The clinical research on Wellmune demonstrates that immune support can matter to sports performance. I’m excited to take the immune health message to the sports community.”

In addition to being a Registered Dietitian, Ellis is a National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Nebraska.

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

EAGAN, MN – Jan. 21, 2013 – Wellmune WGP^®, the natural immune health ingredient from Biothera, is now available in MediChá^®, a functional beverage in Taiwan made by U!be Group Inc., a leading innovator in the health and wellness category. MediChá^® is a unique tea concentrate shown to address the health concerns of people with metabolic syndrome.

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

“We are excited that U!Be Group is expanding its offering and bringing Wellmune to the Chinese community through the tradition of drinking tea. MediChá with Wellmune is a perfect match of ancient wisdom of the East with a nutritional breakthrough from the West,” said Richard Mueller, chief executive officer, Biothera.

“MediChá synergistically combines the immune-strengthening mechanism of Wellmune and scientifically validated ingredients to help optimize glycemic response into a unique preparation of Pu-erh Tea concentrate from hundred-year-old tea trees,” added John Perng, Ph.D., U!be Group Inc.’s vice president of R&D and business development. “This triple combination of health benefits helps to enhance the immune system, promotes healthy metabolism and supports overall health.”

Mueller added, “MediChá with Wellmune is a great example of how beverage companies can create added value for their brand. Immune support is one of the most sought-after functional health benefits.”

About U!be Group Inc.

U!be Group Inc. is a pioneer in creating innovative nutraceutical products featuring clinically-proven nutraceutical ingredients and novel delivering systems. The company’s goal is to provide natural solutions to health problems with its U!be brand of products that is efficacious yet affordable to the general public. For more information visit www.ubelife.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

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