Wellmune

Data presented at International Carbohydrate Symposium

EAGAN, MN — August 2, 2012 — Biothera researchers enhanced the biological activity of a fungal beta glucan by altering its molecular structure, confirming previous research demonstrating the link between branching and functionality, according to data presented last week at the International Carbohydrate Symposium in Madrid.

For the study, carbohydrate chemists at Biothera used scleroglucan, a fungal beta 1,3 glucan that is highly branched with single glucose molecules.  When the branching was reduced from 30% to 12%, the average molecular weight increased, indicating the formation of complex higher ordered structures.  The single helical structures aggregated into triple helical structures that significantly increased their biological activity.

“By changing the molecular structure, we were able to transform a relatively inactive fungal beta glucan into one with greater biological activity,” said Dan Conners, president of Biothera’s Pharmaceutical Group. “This research highlights Biothera’s expertise in carbohydrate chemistry and our unmatched knowledge of beta glucan biotechnology.”

“The data confirms our earlier studies demonstrating that structure matters and that not all beta glucans are created equal,” said Rich Mueller, president of Biothera’s Healthcare Group.  “Ingredient or product claims must be supported by research with that specific ingredient and strain and not borrowed research.”

The poster presented at the symposium was entitled, “Modification of a Beta Glucan Affects Aggregation Behavior and Biological Activity.”  Authors: Magee, A.S.; Langeslay, R.R.; Will, P.M.; Elmasry, N.A.; Danielson, M.E.  Abstract.

Previous Biothera research showing that subtle differences in the molecular structure of various beta 1,3/1,6 glucans can significantly affect their ability to enhance innate immune system responses was presented at the National Cancer Institute.

About Biothera, the immune health company

Biothera is a biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health. The company is commercializing its unique technology platform through two business groups. Biothera’s Pharmaceutical Group is conducting multiple clinical trials for the development of a drug that mobilizes the innate immune system to fight most types of cancer. The company’s Healthcare Group is a leading provider of natural immune health ingredients for functional foods, beverages, dietary supplements, cosmetics and animal nutrition.

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

Biothera Analytical Methods Adopted for New Industry Standard

EAGAN, MN — September 8, 2011 — The United States Pharmacopeia (USP), in collaboration with Biothera, has developed the first official monograph for beta glucan from bakers yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae), a natural food, beverage and dietary supplement ingredient widely recognized for its immune health benefits.

The monograph was recently issued in the Third Supplement of the Seventh Edition of the Food Chemicals Codex, an internationally recognized compendium of standards for the purity and identity of food ingredients.

Biothera is a biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.  The company manufactures Wellmune WGP^®, a proprietary bakers yeast beta glucan clinically proven to prime key immune cells that help keep the body healthy and vital.  Biothera contributed the reference standard and two methods for identifying and quantifying the beta 1,3/1,6 branched glucan polymer derived from the cell walls of bakers yeast.

New Glucan Enzymatic Method (GEM™) published in peer-reviewed chemistry journal

EAGAN, MN — September 2, 2010 — A method for analyzing beta glucan content of raw ingredients as well as finished food, beverage and supplement products that is more accurate and precise than previously described methods was published yesterday in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a peer-reviewed publication of the American Chemical Society.

Chemists at Biothera, the manufacturer of Wellmune WGP® and other premium yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan ingredients, developed the Glucan Enzymatic Method (GEM™) as a solution to shortcomings of traditional glucan assays. Methods employing acid hydrolysis, for example, break down the beta glucan and all other polysaccharides present into glucose. The inability to distinguish between polysaccharides often results in an overestimation of the actual beta glucan content. GEM relies upon selective enzymes that detect beta glucan and break it down to glucose while leaving other polysaccharides intact.

“GEM is an important advancement in the chemical characterization of beta glucans,” said Richard Mueller, Biothera president and chief executive officer. “For the first time, food, beverage and supplement manufacturers can confirm scientifically the purity and quality of the ingredients they are adding to their products. Consumers also can have confidence that GEM-tested products contain the beta glucan dosage as labeled.”

Another important application of GEM is beta glucan analysis for finished products. For quality control purposes, manufacturers want a reliable assay to confirm dosage and label requirements. “GEM is the only assay for finished product analysis,” said Mueller. “No other ingredient supplier can match Biothera’s expertise in chemistry, biology and clinical research.”

The research paper is entitled, “Enzymatic Method To Measure β-1,3-β-1,6-Glucan Content in Extracts and Formulated Products (GEM Assay).” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

About Wellmune WGP®
Wellmune WGP is a natural ingredient that is clinically proven to enhance key immune cells that are the body’s first line of defense. Designed for functional foods, beverages and supplements, Wellmune WGP strengthens innate immune cells to more quickly find and kill foreign challenges. Wellmune WGP also enhances the immune system to protect against the harmful effects of physical or lifestyle stress. Wellmune WGP is patented, GRAS, TGA-approved, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free. The ingredient is recipient of an IFT Innovation 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