Clasado

Clasado BioSciences is an international biotechnology company based in Jersey, UK.^[1] Clasado BioSciences specializes in research and development of world’s most advanced Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) products.^[2] Clasado provides solutions for Food, Healthcare and Pharmaceutical companies across the global wellness market.^[3]

History

• 2004 - Clasado is formed^[4]
• 2006 - Bimuno is launched as a functional ingredient^[5]
• 2007 - Bimuno is launched as a retail food supplement in the UK^[6]
• 2010 - The Bimuno supplement range is expanded into pastille forms^[7]
• 2014 - Bimuno gains GRAS status for food, beverage and infant formula applications^[8]

Research and development

Clasado are continually developing galacto-oligosaccharide (GOS) technology through a programme of research and innovation.^[9] Their solutions are clinically proven.^[10] Clasado are rapidly establishing themselves as the leading experts in the field of gut mediated wellness.^[11] Clasado Biosciences is currently working on developing and substantiating the health benefits of dietary ingredients for the prevention management, and treatment of human disease.^[12] Bimuno® is Clasado’s patented 2nd generation Prebiotic (nutrition) (B-GOS).^[13] A number of in vitro models, animal models and human intervention studies in healthy, overweight and ageing populations have confirmed the efficacy of Bimuno® to positively modulate the colonic Microbiota.^[14]

Second Generation Prebiotics

Bifidobacteria represent one of the most numerous Probiotic groups found in the Digestive tract.^[15] Using glycobiotechnology and taking the physiological properties of bifidobacteria into consideration, Clasado has used enzymes from B. bifidum NCIMB 41171 to develop second generation prebiotic Oligosaccharides.^[16] Unlike other forms of prebiotics, second generation prebiotics have been developed with specific functional properties that are efficient at stimulating bifidobacteria at Genus level.^[17]

Partnership with the University of Reading, UK

The concept of prebiotics was first described by Glenn Gibson, (then at the Institute of Food Research, Reading) and Marcel Roberfroid (at the Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium) in 1995.^[18] Clasado approached Professor Glenn Gibson, at the University of Reading where, using a laboratory model of the human gut and In vivo studies, they researched Substrates for ‘positive bacteria’ of the gut.^[19] Together they created a new prebiotic product which was subjected to a rigorous series of scientific tests, trials and studies, including human studies in collaboration with the University of Reading’s Agriculture Department.^[20] The research has facilitated collaborations with other leading researchers and institutions. Clasado has sponsored the career progression of several postdoctoral scientists and PhD students.^[21]

Awards

In 2009, Clasado was awarded the Frost & Sullivan European Food & Beverage Award for New Production Innovation. This award was in recognition of Clasado’s accomplishments in the digestive health ingredients market.^[22]

Products

Clasado BioSciences develop and manufacture unique prebiotic technologies. One of these technologies it the patent protected second generation galactooligosaccharide (GOS) Bimuno®.^[23]

Bimuno Powder

Bimuno® Powder is a light cream coloured, free flowing, dispersible spray-dried powder containing >80% GOS by dry weight. The powder has heat, acid and microbiological stability. The powder is suitable for a broad range of human food and supplement uses.^[24]

Bimuno Syrup

Bimuno® Syrup is a pourable, sweet, light yellow coloured syrup containing >57% GOS by dry weight. The syrup has heat, acid and microbiological stability. The syrup is Halal and Kosher certified. The syrup is suitable for a wide range of human food and supplement uses.^[25]

Bimuno® Prebiotic Powder

Bimuno® Prebiotic Powder is a soluble, tasteless powder containing a dose of Galactooligosaccharides. Each pack contains 30 soluble powder sachets.^[26]

Bimuno® TRAVELAID

Bimuno® TRAVELAID pastilles are soft chewable pastilles containing a dose of Galactooligosaccharides. Pastilles can be taken without food or water. Each pack contains 30 pastilles.^[27]

Bimuno® IMMUNAID

Bimuno® IMMUNAID pastilles are soft chewable pastilles containing a dose of Galactooligosaccharides and Vitamin C. Pastilles can be taken without food or water. Each pack contains 30 pastilles.^[28]

Bimuno® IBAID

Bimuno® IBAID (Intestinal Bifidobacteria Aid) pastilles are soft chewable pastilles containing a dose of Galactooligosaccharides. Pastilles can be taken without food or water. Each pack contains 30 pastilles.^[29]

Clinical trials

Prebiotic Properties

The efficiency of Bimuno to positively modulate the colonic microbiota has been confirmed in a number of in vitro models, animal models and human intervention studies in healthy, overweight and ageing populations.^[30]

• 2005: A Novel Galactooligosaccharide Mixture Increases the Bifidobacterial Population Numbers in a Continuous In Vitro Fermentation System and in the Proximal Colonic Contents of Pigs In Vivo^[31]
• 2007: Prebiotic evaluation of a novel galactooligosaccharide mixture produced by the enzymatic activity of Bifidobacterium bifidum NCIMB 41171, in healthy humans: a randomised, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled intervention study^[32]
• 2008 Clinical trial: the effects of a trans-galactooligosaccharide prebiotic on faecal microbiota and symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome^[33]
• 2014: Modulation of the faecal Microbiota profile and immune function by a novel trans-galactooligosaccharide mixture (B-GOS) in healthy elderly volunteers.^[34]

Abdominal Discomfort

Bimuno has been shown to improve abdominal function and relieve the symptoms of abdominal discomfort (flatulence, bloating and abdominal pain) in healthy sufferers.^[35]

• 2008 Clinical trial: the effects of a trans-galactooligosaccharide prebiotic on faecal microbiota and symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome.^[36]

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

A pilot study with IBS sufferers has shown the potential of Bimuno to improve the symptoms and quality of life of IBS sufferers. Clasado is sponsoring further studies to evaluate dietary intervention for the relief of IBS.^[37]

• 2008 Clinical trial: the effects of a trans-galactooligosaccharide prebiotic on faecal microbiota and symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome.^[38]

Protection from GI Pathogens

A number of animal studies have provided evidence on the mechanism by which consumption of Bimuno can reduce the incidence of GI infections (microbial and viral).^[39] A human intervention study with travellers to medium and high-risk countries for travellers’ diarrhoea has shown that Bimuno can reduce the incidence and duration of the symptoms. Further studies are ongoing in this area.^[40]

• 2008: A mixture containing galactooligosaccharide, produced by the enzymic activity of Bifidobacterium bifidum, reduces Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infection in mice^[41]
• 2009: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised human study assessing the capacity of a novel galacto-oligosaccharide mixture in reducing travellers’ diarrhoea^[42]
• 2010: Purified galactooligosaccharide, derived from a mixture produced by the enzymic activity of Bifidobacterium bifidum, reduces Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium adhesion and invasion in vitro and in vivo^[43]
• 2012: Low molecular weight fractions of BiMunoâ exert immunostimulatory properties in murine macrophages^[44]
• 2014: Galactooligosaccharide, an effective prebiotic against Salmonella Typhimurium infection.^[45]

Ageing

Two human intervention studies have confirmed the potential of Bimuno to restore and maintain the colonic microbiota composition, and the immune function in healthy adults over 65 years old. Further studies in this population are on-going.^[46]

• 2008: Modulation of the faecal Microbiota profile and immune function by a novel trans-galactooligosaccharide mixture (B-GOS) in healthy elderly volunteers.^[47]

Metabolic Syndrome

Clasado has completed a number of studies investigating the efficacy of Bimuno to improve metabolic biomarkers linked with CVD. Studies in animal models and diabetic (Type I and II) population are conducted to identify the mechanism of action.^[48]

• 2014: A Mixture of trans-Galactooligosaccharides Reduces Markers of Metabolic Syndrome and Modulates the Fecal Microbiota and Immune Function of Overweight Adults^[49]
• 2014: Molecular cloning and comparative analysis of four β-galactosidase genes from Bifidobacterium bifidum NCIMB41171^[50]
• 2014: Comparative analysis of four β-galactosidases from Bifidobacterium bifidum NCIMB41171: purification and biochemical characterisation^[51]
• 2014: Increasing the production of a recombinant bifidobacterial β-galactosidase (BbgIV) in E. coli DH5α under limited dissolved oxygen conditions^[52]
• 2014: Molecular cloning and comparative analysis of four β-galactosidase genes from Bifidobacterium bifidum NCIMB41171^[53]
• 2014: Gut microbe composition and metabolic syndrome Links between gut microbiota and metabolic diseases have been suggested for many years, but results of studies in human beings and animals are conflicting.^[54]
• 2014: Effect of Bimuno-GOS on markers of Metabolic syndrome (Met. Synd.), microbiota and immune function in overweight adults: a randomised double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study.^[55]

Cognitive Function/Emotional Processing

Animal models have been used to explore the potential of Bimuno to influence cognitive function and emotional processing. A pilot human intervention study has provided evidence that daily consumption of Bimuno could improve anxiety and depression.^[56] Further research in this area, as well as the brain development and function of infant and toddlers, is on going.^[57]

• 2013: Prebiotic feeding elevates central brain derived neurotrophic factor, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits and D-serine.^[58]

References

External links

• Bimuno Official site
• Clasado