Wellmune

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

NASHVILLE, TENN — December 4, 2012 — Biothera provided samples of Wellmune WGP^®, a natural food and beverage ingredient clinically proven to strengthen the immune systems of athletes, at the Professional Baseball Strength & Conditioning Coaches Society (PBSCCS) 2012 Product Show & Symposium this past weekend.

Research shows that high intensity exercise temporarily weakens the immune system. Hard workouts can create an “open window” in the body’s defenses that may derail training programs and performance gains. Wellmune WGP activates key immune cells that help keep the body healthy.

“Clinical research with marathoners, cyclists and others enduring high physical stress demonstrated how Wellmune WGP can strengthen immune defenses before, during and after exercise,” said Richard Mueller, Biothera chief executive officer. “We believe Wellmune would benefit pro baseball players whose long seasons and extensive travel constantly stress their bodies and immune systems.”

Wellmune reduces upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms. In multiple clinical studies, Wellmune reduced the incidence of URTI symptoms that commonly athletes in many sports. In a double-blinded study involving 182 marathon runners last year, subjects taking Wellmune for four weeks experienced a 40% reduction in URTI symptoms.

About PBSCCS

The PBSCCS is a society of Strength and Conditioning Coaches composed from both Major League and Minor League baseball teams. It is committed to raising awareness about its role in professional baseball. Moreover, it is focused on the implementation of proven Strength and Conditioning principles & philosophies, community youth awareness programs, and long-term skills promoting performance and health. Through these programs, the PBSCCS will empower its coaches with the knowledge, skills, ethics, and competency to continue to increase the credibility and recognition of its coaches.

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is a natural beta 1,3/1,6 glucan derived from a proprietary strain of yeast that is clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy. 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, Minn., June 7, 2012 – A panel of experts from regulatory, scientific and industry vantage points will present their perspectives on the scientific evidence required to substantiate an immune health claim during the 2012 Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Annual Meeting and Expo in Las Vegas on Wednesday, June 27. The session will examine both why it is difficult to develop credible science to support claims that are compelling to consumers and acceptable to regulatory agencies and potential solutions.

“Substantiating an Immune Health Claim: Three Perspectives” will feature the following speakers and topics:

• “Substantiating Immune Health Claims: Perspectives of Scientific/Regulatory Authorities in North America and Europe” —Lina Paulionis, M.Sc., MHSc, RD, senior scientific and regulatory consultant, Intertek Cantox’s Food and Nutrition Group.
• “Challenges in Defining Appropriate Immune Function Biomarkers” —Simin Nikbin Meydani, D.V.M, Ph.D., director of the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University.
• “Designing a Claim Substantiation Research Program: An Industry Perspective” —Don Cox, Ph.D., senior vice president, Research & Development, Healthcare Group, Biothera.

“Finding the right combination of credible science to support claims and to meet the needs of stakeholders from regulatory agencies through product development and manufacturing to consumers is a significant challenge, especially given the complexity of the immune system and the rapidly evolving regulatory framework,” said Dr. Cox. “This session will illuminate key challenges from a global perspective in developing the scientific data to support a commercially viable and meaningful claim and provide best practices in claims substantiation.”

Two members of Biothera’s Healthcare R&D group are involved with this IFT symposium.  Biothera’s flagship immune health ingredient, Wellmune WGP^®, has earned broad regulatory approval as an immune health ingredient for foods, beverages and supplements. The clinically proven immune health benefits of Wellmune WGP have won accolades from the food and beverage industry including a prestigious IFT Innovation Award in 2007.

The session is from 10:35-11:35 a.m. in Room N117 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information stop by the Biothera booth, #1829.

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is a natural beta 1,3/1,6 gluco polysaccharide that is clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy. 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)

651-675-0300 (main)

dwalsh@biothera.com

Clinical research published in the British Journal of Nutrition

EAGAN, MN — May 21, 2012 — Wellmune WGP^®, a natural immune health ingredient for foods, beverages and supplements, prevented suppression of the immune system that normally occurs after intense exercise, according to a new clinical study published online in the British Journal of Nutrition.

These results, along with similar physical stress clinical studies, demonstrate that Wellmune WGP may help recreational and elite athletes achieve training and performance goals by minimizing “down time” associated with immune suppression.

“In contrast to the placebo group, athletes taking Wellmune had a higher degree of immune support before and after exercise, as measured by monocyte concentrations and enhanced cytokine production during a simulated immune challenge,” said Brian McFarlin, Ph.D., FACSM, Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, and Immunology in the Department of Health and Human Performance at the University of Houston.

Wellmune WGP is a beta 1,3/1,6 gluco polysaccharide that boosts key innate immune cells that help keep the body healthy.  Specifically, Wellmune activates neutrophils, the most abundant population of immune cells in the body. It also enhances certain chemical messengers that help coordinate the body’s immune defenses.

Study Design

The randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study involved 60 recreational athletes [31 women (age 22 +5), 29 men (age 23 +5)] engaged in sustained aerobic exercise. Following initial screening, study subjects were given either a placebo or 250 mg of Wellmune WGP daily for 10 days.

At the end of the supplementation period, the athletes rode an exercise bicycle for approximately 50-min in a heat stress chamber set at 38C (100F) and 45% relative humidity to create an environment that placed the athletes under physiological and psychological stress.  Blood samples were drawn at day 0 and immediately before and after the exercise session and again two hours post exercise. Twenty-five different aspects of immune health were analyzed.

Using a cross-over study design, the athletes next observed a seven-day “wash out” period during which no supplement was given to clear their bodies of any supplement effect. The study subjects then repeated the 10-day supplementation with the other test variable (Wellmune or placebo).  At the end of the second supplementation period, the subjects then replicated their initial exercise regimen.

Study Results

Study subjects taking Wellmune WGP had statistically significant higher concentrations of monocytes in their blood compared with the blood samples while taking the placebo.  The higher monocyte level was recorded immediately before and after exercise, as well as two hours post exercise.

Study participants also had higher levels of key cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-gamma) following a 24-h Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation when taking Wellmune WGP.  LPS is derived from gram-negative bacteria and used to mimic a foreign challenge to stimulate an immune response.  The data also showed higher levels of plasma cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, and IFN-gamma) two hours after exercise when the subjects had supplemented with Wellmune.  All of these results were statistically significant (p<0.05).

The research was conducted under the direction of Dr. McFarlin at the Health and Human Performance Lab, University of Houston.  The paper, “Baker’s yeast β-glucan supplementation increases monocytes and cytokines post-exercise: implications for infection risk?” was published online ahead of print in the British Journal of Nutrition.  Authors: K. C. Carpenter, W. L. Breslin, T. Davidson, A. Adams and B. K. McFarlin.  Abstract.

About Wellmune WGP^®

Wellmune WGP is a natural beta 1,3/1,6 gluco polysaccharide that is clinically proven to boost key immune cells that help maintain health, wellness and vitality. This unique ingredient is found in more than 35 countries in food, beverage and supplement products, including juices, smoothies, toddler formula, soups, breads, beverage shots and sachets, and functional chocolates, cookies and snack bars.

Wellmune 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)

651-675-0300 (main)

dwalsh@biothera.com

Can Vitamins Lead to Debauchery?

A recent study about vitamin users being more inclined to engage in risky behaviors caught our attention.  According to research published in Psychological Science, supplement users may get a false sense of invulnerability that may translate in potentially harmful lifestyle behaviors, including binge-drinking, casual sex and sunbathing.  Here’s the link.

It’s an interesting study and perhaps one more reason to protect yourself with Wellmune WGP^®.

What did you do for fun last night? What are your weekend plans? Did you know that your social life can have a direct impact on your immune system?

Here are five ways that you and your friends could be setting yourselves up for illness.

1. Watching too much TV. If your favorite source of entertainment is watching TV or going to movies, you need to consider using your muscles more often.  There is mounting evidence that moderate, consistent exercise helps protect us from everything from the common cold to more serious, chronic diseases. How about riding bicycles to the cineplex?
2. Eating out too often. You may enjoy dining out with friends, but if you’ve got the expanded waistline to show for it you might want to find lower calorie pastimes. Those extra pounds put you at risk for diabetes, heart disease and cancer, partly because excess fat cells might be causing your body to produce fewer antibodies. Why not collaborate on a low-fat, low-calorie homemade meal instead? You may discover cooking with your friends is a lot of fun.
3. Feeling socially isolated. It doesn’t matter if you have just one friend or many. What’s important is how connected you feel to others in your life. Studies indicate that having strong relationships improves your mental as well as your physical health. Make time for good conversations without a lot of distractions, explore volunteer opportunities, and turn off your electronic devices when you’re together with friends.
4. Being pulled in too many directions. If your time is so over-committed that you’re running from one activity to another, it may be time to simplify your life. Numerous studies have linked stress with lower immune function. Try to prioritize your activities, and find ways to either delegate obligations or eliminate them entirely so that you’re spending most of each day doing the things that are most important to you.
5. Eating too much sugar. Researchers say that sugar suppresses immune system cells. Something to consider if you and your friends like to hit the yogurt shop regularly. Challenge your friends to find creative ways to eliminate sugar from your lives. Support each other until the temptations subside. Remember: you don’t need sugar to live a healthy, well-rounded life. Besides, enjoying just a little bit of sugar now and then will make the treat seem that much sweeter.

Kids are back to school and back to the locker rooms. Perhaps you’re taking this time to get fit before the holidays? Gyms are a great place to get fit but because of the large number of people using the same equipment and facilities, and the copious amounts of sweat, they also provide the perfect environment for spreading infection.

As you tone and strengthen your muscles, you may also be exposing yourself to:

• MRSA and other staph infections
• Cold and flu viruses
• Ringworm
• Germs that cause such unpleasant conditions as jock itch, athlete’s foot and boils

An estimated 80 percent of all infectious diseases are transmitted by direct contact, such as kissing, or indirect contact such exposing yourself to the germs left behind on gym equipment. Some of the germiest places in the gym are water fountains, mats, weight machines, free weights, locker rooms and showers. Your sweat and any skin cuts or lesions make you especially vulnerable to fungal, viral and bacterial skin infections.

This isn’t an excuse to skip your workout, but you should take steps to protect yourself from these microscopic invaders.

• Wear clean workout clothes every day. Re-wearing the same stinky clothes increases your chances of getting fungal infections.
• Wipe down equipment and mats before each use. If the gym does not provide spray bottles and paper towels, bring your own wipes. Be thoughtful and clean your sweat off the equipment afterward.
• Don’t touch your eyes or mouth. This is how viruses are transmitted.
• Wear water shoes or flip flops in the shower. Germs do survive on the shower walls and floors. Wash your feet first then wear shoes for the rest of your shower.
• Bring a fresh, clean towel from home to dry off after your shower. Bring two if you use one to wipe the sweat from your body as you exercise.
• Keep your clean clothes separate from your dirty ones. Place your dirty clothes in a plastic bag to avoid any cross contamination.

When LovetoKnow.com asked celebrity fitness and nutrition expert JJ Virgin, from TLC’s Freaky Eaters, to share some of her favorite tips – we were pleased to see Wellmune  WGP® ranked high on her list. The interview, which was actually on how to exercise for weight loss and keep the pounds off through exercise and nutrition, included JJ’s suggestions for people who have tried many different diet and exercise programs, and still have difficulty losing weight.

You can’t get a great workout if you aren’t well, and JJ pointed out that Wellmune WGP works to keep you healthy by mobilizing billions of innate immune cells that are part of your body’s natural defenses. “It helps maintain energy, vitality and mental clarity when you are stressed,” she added.

JJ didn’t mention that a recent clinical study at the University of Houston demonstrated that Wellmune WGP reduced immune suppression that normally occurs following high intensity exercise.  This means that both recreational and elite athletes may be able to work out hard and longer without lowering their immunity.