26/06/09 Institut Rosell-Lallemand announced the 10th launch of its unique intestinal support probiotic formula, Protecflor. Protecflor was introduced in Belgium by Sanofi Aventis under the brand name of ErcéFlora Supra. This unique probiotic combines the synergistic activities of three well documented Rosell bacteria strains with Saccharomyces boulardii probiotic yeast. The synergistic effects of the probiotic yeast and bacteria components of Protecflor have been demonstrated in vivo in a rat model of traveller’s diarrhoea. Marketed by Sanofi Aventis through pharmacists as a food supplement, the probiotic is recommended for reinforcing or restoring the intestinal barrier and for fighting intestinal infections, in particular traveller’s diarrhoea. Its launch coincides with the summer season, when traveller’s diarrhoea represents a holiday spoiler for up to 50% of those on the move (an estimated 5-50% of travellers suffer from the disorder, depending on the destination).

Since its initial launch in 2007, Protecflor formula has already been introduced in nine other countries by key industry partners -- by Numedica in the U.S., by Wren in the UK, by Ivancic in Serbia, by CatMedia in Australia, and by Walmark in the Czech Republic, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria and Poland.

Protecflor combines the well-known Saccharomyces boulardii yeast, extensively documented for its efficacy in diarrhoea prevention, with three specific probiotic bacteria strains -- Lactobacillus Rosell-11, Lactobacillus Rosell-52, and Bifidobacterium Rosell-175. Either alone or in combination, these three probiotic bacteria have been well documented for their effectiveness in protecting the gut and restoring a balanced microflora. While exhibiting different modes of action in the gut, probiotic yeast and bacteria are complementary and allow for dual protection of the gut surface against pathogens. The “dual defence” capabilities of Protecflor have been demonstrated in an animal model of traveller’s diarrhoea (enterotoxigenic E. coli infection in rats). After two weeks of probiotic administration, Protecflor appeared to offer better protection against E. coli infection than the probiotic yeast or bacteria mixture separately, leading to reduced weight loss, stabilized body temperature, and reduced diarrhoea severity and duration.