Wellmune

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 – July 10, 2012 – The leading sports nutrition company in South Africa, Ultimate Sports Nutrition (USN), has selected Wellmune WGP^® for its new Immune Re-build ^® supplement that is designed to support wellness and general health.

Wellmune WGP 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 over stimulating the immune system.

Several human clinical studies demonstrate the ability of Wellmune WGP to reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms in athletes, including marathon runners, engaged in high intensity exercise.

“We selected Wellmune WGP for our Immune Re-build because it is the most researched and clinically proven single ingredient to enhance stress management, improve general health and immune system function, as well as increase energy and vitality,” said Irma Botes, R&D Manager for USN. Botes noted that along with the clinical evidence to support Wellmune, its safety profile and the fact that is a natural ingredient to support the body’s natural defenses had added appeal.

“The launch of Immune Re-build continues to expand the reach and availability of Wellmune WGP in global markets, testament to its compelling immune health benefits and the broad scale interest among athletes and trainers for immune health dietary supplementation,” said Rich Mueller, president and chief executive officer of Biothera.

About Ultimate Sports Nutrition

For more than 12 years Ultimate Sports Nutrition has been developing premium sports nutrition products by and for South Africans as a cost-effective alternative to imported sports nutrition supplements, foods and beverages.

About Wellmune WGP®
Wellmune WGP is a natural carbohydrate that is clinically proven to prime key immune cells that keep the body healthy. This unique food, beverage and supplement ingredient is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) under U.S. FDA regulations. It is also patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free. The ingredient is a 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.

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Contact:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606 (direct)
651-675-0300 (main)
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

It’s Monday morning; the alarm clock goes off two hours early and you skip breakfast to get into work a little early. That’s because today you make a high stakes business presentation that you rehearsed all weekend. As you fight rush hour traffic, you notice your throat feels sore. Why is it that you always seem to get sick when something important is going on?

Nearly everything we do can have an impact on our immune system: from getting up earlier than usual to skipping breakfast or working overtime on a project.

1. Stress

Stress comes at us from all directions – work, family, even our social lives. Your body responds by releasing cortisol and adrenaline, two stress hormones that raise blood pressure, cholesterol levels and wreck havoc on your immune system. You add to your stress by skipping meals, not getting a full night of sleep and avoiding exercise.

If you are constantly on the run, you might benefit from adding Wellmune WGP to your daily routine. A study of 122 healthy volunteers with stressful lifestyles found that 58 percent of them experienced fewer upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and improved psychological well-being after taking Wellmune WGP daily for 12 weeks.

2. Too much fast food

If most of your meals come in a bag, you might be needing a few more sick days. A balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, provides antioxidants needed to neutralize free radicals. That’s important because free radicals break down cells in your body, leaving you vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. When you feel sickness coming on, you can boost immunity with foods such as yogurt, green tea, oatmeal, broccoli, garlic, oysters, red bell peppers and spices such as turmeric, oregano and ginger.

3. And too few ZZZs

When you get less than six or seven hours of sleep each night, your risk of getting sick increases. During sleep your body produces more protein. These protein molecules allow cells to repair damage caused by stress and other harmful exposures.

4. The exercise “Catch 22”

We all need exercise, but you should be aware how the volume of exercise you do impacts your immune system.

Moderate, consistent exercise increases the production of macrophages, the cells that attack bacteria. Research conducted at Appalachian State University found that those who walked at 70-75 percent of their aerobic capacity for 40 minutes each day, had half as many sick days due to colds or sore throats as others who didn’t exercise.

But, as many marathoners and other athletes have discovered, more than 90 minutes of intense endurance exercise can actually make you more susceptible to illness for up to 24 hours. However, Dr. Brian McFarlin, an associate professor at the University of Houston, found that Wellmune WGP before exercise can improve immune response.

McFarlin tested 60 male and female athletes. Each took either a placebo or Wellmune WGP for 10 days. The athletes then rode an exercise bike in a 100-degree heat chamber, set at 45 percent humidity. Blood samples were taken before and after the exercise. They repeated the experiment 10 days later, but switched who received the supplement. In both tests, the athletes who took Wellmune before working out had stronger immune systems after exercising.

While we can’t control the all the stresses that life throws at us, but by being more aware of the impact of exercise, better dietary management and supplementation, we can help our immune systems stay healthier.

Did you know that holiday festivities, culminating with that traditional New Year’s Eve bash, could be lowering your immune system? That might be why so many people catch colds right after the holidays. Here are a few steps to help keep your immune system healthy as the season of parties, little sleep and overindulgence gives way to the season brimming with health-related resolutions.

1. Fats and germs don’t mix. If you’re like most people, the fatty foods you’ve been indulging in since Thanksgiving may lead to a case of the sniffles. Being in closed-in spaces this time of year puts us in contact with more germs. Our bodies go into overdrive if they’re busy busting fat and diverted from busting germs.

Don’t Tip Your Hat to Fat

• Start each day with a nutritious breakfast. If your choices are limited, eat half of the oversized muffin and opt for a skim versus full-fat latte.

• After a night of restful repair, give your body the fuel it needs to run like a well-tuned machine.

• Choose an indulgence at each meal – not all of them – and stop before you feel full. That means mashed potatoes or pecan pie.

• Don’t arrive at the party hungry or skip meals and “bank” calories earlier in the day. A high-fiber snack like an apple or fresh veggies before the festivities begin will help you focus on people first, then food.

2. Champagne at midnight … coughing a week later?  This time of year, most of us are go, go, GO!  Throw travel germs in the mix and it’s a recipe for a cold. Champagne at midnight and alcoholic beverages can interfere with sleep. Coffee or soda in the afternoon may also. Don’t overlook the beverage choices you make or you’ll be up all night thinking of them! Resume your normal nighttime habits on New Year’s Day to get your body back to getting the restful sleep it needs to recover and restore stamina for a healthy immune system.

Drink Up These Tips

• Everything in moderation. More alcohol could result in less refreshing sleep.

• Know your body and how it will react to coffee and cola. For some, it’s hands off after lunchtime to help ensure restful sleep at night.

• Try another way to get a second wind such a quick shower or a brisk walk. Even a short nap is a great pick-me-up.

• Stay hydrated with water before you’re thirsty. It’s a healthy choice and will also help you feel full.

Eating right and making smart beverage choices– there’s no better toast to your immune system and healthy habits like these are resolutions worth keeping!

For many people, stress is as much a part of the holiday season as mistletoe and holly, making the “most wonderful time of the year,” a time when it can be tough to stick to the everyday health and wellness routines that help you enjoy your busy life. Part of celebrating the season is to throw a bit of caution to the wind and enjoy favorite holiday foods and beverages. Yet despite attempts to fit it all in, all too often what’s sacrificed are trips to the gym or yoga class, or getting the right amount of sleep.

It can make the season of being “always on” leaving some feeling a little “off.”

The good news is that maintaining a healthy innate immune system never needs to take a holiday and can be part of your daily routine 24/7/365.  The innate immune system is the first line of defense in the daily battle to stay well. Unlike the dizzying array of other options on the drug store shelf, Wellmune WGP^® has a sleigh full of clinically proven and tested sound science behind it. When taken daily at the recommended level, Wellmune WGP helps mobilize billions of innate immune cells that are part of the body’s natural defenses. It helps these cells do their job effectively, yet without over stimulating the immune system, which can be harmful to long-term health.

Whether dashing through the snow to burn off those extra holiday pounds, racing to the mall for last-minute presents, or rushing from party after merry party, Wellmune WGP can help you maintain energy, vitality and mental clarity in the face of all of the physical and lifestyle stressors that the season can throw your way.

Keep in mind that staying healthy during the holidays shouldn’t feel like another chore. Focus on steps you can take today to keep healthy through the holidays and for a lifetime.

• Wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently
• Get plenty of sleep
• Stay hydrated
• Don’t drink and drive
• Fasten seatbelts
• Get a flu shot if you haven’t already
• Focus on the people who matter most
• Be active
• Take time out for yourself

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is making it easy to hit the high notes for health over the holidays. For some important reminders, just sing or hum along to the familiar tune of the 12 Days of Christmas: http://www.cdc.gov/family/holiday/12waysSong.htm.

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.

EAGAN, MN — September 3, 2011 — Biothera, the manufacturer of Wellmune WGP,  will sponsor a webinar about the link between stress and numerous health problems, including suppression of the immune system, at 1:00 pm U.S. central standard time on Wednesday, September 14. The webinar will be hosted on FoodNavigator-USA.com and NutraIngredients-USA.com.  Register here.

The webinar is entitled, “Closing the Window on Stress-Related Immune Suppression,” and features distinguished panelists in the fields of natural medicine, exercise physiology and immunology and immune health ingredient research will discuss their research and what it may mean to manufacturers of foods, beverages and supplements.

Surveys show that 75% of Americans today say they are “stressed out” and that stress is a major factor in workplace absenteeism and lost productivity. “Our industry has a tremendous opportunity to develop products that can deliver real immune health benefits to consumers so they can better cope with the daily stresses of their lives,” said Richard Mueller, president of Biothera’s Healthcare Group.

The webinar panel will include three industry experts:

Michael T. Murray, N.D.
Chairman, Dr. Murray Natural Living, Inc.

Brian McFarlin, Ph.D., FACSM
Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Immunology
Department of Health and Human Performance
University of Houston

Don Cox, Ph.D. 
Senior Vice President, Research & Development
Biothera, the immune health company

For more information, contact:
David Walsh
Vice President, Communication
Biothera
651-256-4606
dwalsh@biothera.com