Canadians suffering from diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D) have a new clinically proven option approved by Health Canada

• Canada has one of the highest prevalence rates of IBS in the world – estimated at 18% compared to 11% globally.¹
• IBS-D accounts for 40% of all IBS cases.¹

LAVAL, QC, March 9, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Bio-K Plus International Inc. (Bio-K Plus) is pleased to announce the availability of Bio-K+ IBS Control – a new, clinically proven probiotic for diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D). IBS affects a significant number of Canadians and its prevalence continues to grow. However, Canadians suffering from IBS-D have limited options to help manage this challenging condition.

Bio-K Plus has been committed to working diligently with the scientific community to demonstrate the efficacy and safety profile of this latest innovation in the fight against IBS-D. The confidence to pursue this new indication is grounded in over 20 years of clinical research on Bio-K+, comprised of three unique probiotic bacteria strains: L. acidophilus CL1285^®, L. casei LBC80R^® and L. rhamnosus CLR2^®.

"We have known for a long time that our probiotic strains contribute significantly to re-establishing the health of the intestinal microbiota," said Mathieu Millette Ph.D., Mcb. A., Scientific Director, Bio-K Plus. "Following substantial anecdotal evidence from our customers suffering from IBS, a clinical study was undertaken in collaboration with American specialists to test the efficacy of our product in this patient population. Trial endpoints focused on improved Quality of Life (65% improvement), Stool Consistency (90% improvement), and Stool Frequency (65% fewer diarrhea episodes)."²

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated 113 IBS sufferers over 12-week sessions. The trial was conducted by Dr. Syam Gaddam, a Gastroenterologist practicing out of Garden Grove, California. Dr. Gaddam has over 30 years of experience in Gastroenterology and was a natural choice to run this trial, which included three hospital locations in the United States.

Originally published in 2018 in Beneficial Microbes,² the trial results formed the basis for Health Canada's approval of the following indication: improvement of Quality of Life in patients suffering from IBS-D. Additional data supporting the efficacy of Bio-K+ IBS Control has since been published in the prestigious American Journal of Gastroenterology³ and presented at IDWeek 2019.

"Bio-K+ IBS Control is the only probiotic indicated for improvement in Quality of Life in patients with IBS-D. The results have been nothing short of remarkable and we are incredibly pleased to bring this important new product to Canadians in need," said Isabèle Chevalier, Chief Executive Officer, Bio-K Plus. "This approval marks our third clinical indication and demonstrates our commitment to innovation. We are proud to continue establishing Bio-K Plus as a leader in the biotech industry."

Bio-K+ probiotics are currently available at major pharmacy chains and health food stores across Canada, with Bio-K+ IBS Control to be distributed at more than 2,500 points of sale by the end of 2020.

About Bio-K Plus International Inc.
Founded in 1994, Bio-K Plus International Inc. (Bio-K Plus) is a family-owned, Quebec-based biotech company located in the Laval High-Tech Science Park. With more than 130 employees, Bio-K Plus is a pioneer in the research, manufacturing and distribution of premium quality probiotics. Investing over 6% of gross revenue in research and development annually, the company is strongly committed to developing new, innovative therapies that improve the health of people around the world.

Bio-K Plus offers probiotics indicated to help prevent or manage serious health conditions such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD), Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In addition, Bio-K Plus produces daily use, premium quality probiotics to maintain the health of the intestinal microbiota. The company distributes both capsules and drinkable fermented products across North America, Europe and Asia. Its products are trusted by thousands of healthcare professionals and dispensed in over 200 hospitals throughout Canada and the United States. For further information, please consult biokplus.com.

References:
1.  Lovell RM et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2012;10:712-21.
2.  Preston et al. Beneficial Microbes 2018;9(5):697-706.
3.  Ship et al. Am J Gastroenterol 114. Suppl Oct(2019):S296-S297.

SOURCE Bio-K+ International Inc.