Launch of WellBiome

OptiBiotix Health plc

("OptiBiotix" or the "Company")

Launch of WellBiome®

A patented supplement to improve gut health

OptiBiotix Health plc (AIM: OPTI), a life sciences business developing compounds to tackle obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and skin care, announces the launch of WellBiome®, a proprietary blend of prebiotic functional fibres, functional dietary fibres and mineral optimised for health and wellbeing by promoting the diversity of the gut microbiome.

WellBiome® is an evolution of SlimBiome®, a functional ingredient sold in more than 70 countries (RNS: 18 May 2020) formulated to support weight loss and weight management. WellBiome® provides a scientifically formulated, patented and trademarked solution for partners to either enter into, or extend, their product value proposition into the health & wellness market using functional ingredients to improve immune, digestive, heart, or metabolic health.

A recent NutritionInsights expert roundtable discussion on how the industry is coping with the COVID-19 aftermath and future trends, concluded that the pandemic has prompted a significant focus on health and wellbeing amongst consumers. Topics such as immune health and staying fit & healthy are all at the forefront of minds at present and broader issues such as gut health (WellBiome®) and weight management (SlimBiome®) are of increased interest to consumers.

The Health & Wellness industry was estimated to be worth US$4.2 trillion in 2019 with the digestive health segment accounting for US$60 billion. Moreover, an estimate from Global Market Insights said the global prebiotics market will reach US$7.2 billion by 2024, a significant increase from 2016, when the market value was US$3.4 billion.

Stephen O'Hara, CEO of OptiBiotix Health plc, commented:  "The launch of WellBiome® is another step in OptiBiotix's strategy of developing functional ingredients which modify the human microbiome to improve health.  Consumer understanding and interest in the microbiome is growing rapidly, particularly in the US, and this is creating a market opportunity that is large and expanding. The development of functional ingredients like WellBiome®, backed by science and clinical studies and protected by a broad IP portfolio,  allows OptiBiotix and its partners to access this large and growing health and wellbeing trend."

Dr. Fred Narbel, Managing Director of OptiBiotix's prebiotics division, commented: "It is becoming increasingly apparent in our commercial discussions that our customers want to add fibres / prebiotics to their product offering because of the increasing awareness of the gut microbiome and the role it plays in supporting a healthy life. The focus on fibres / prebiotics is similar to the protein fortification trend seen a few years ago and WellBiome® and SlimBiome® provide turnkey solutions to customers who are either looking at nutrient enrichment or nutrient replacement solutions. The addition of WellBiome® to OptiBiotix's portfolio allows the company to extend its reach beyond the weight management category increasing the scale of the commercial opportunity." 

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014.

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About OptiBiotix - www.optibiotix.com 

OptiBiotix Health plc (AIM: OPTI), which was formed in March 2012, brings science to the development of compounds which modify the human microbiome - the collective genome of the microbes in the body - in order to prevent and manage human disease and promote wellness. 

OptiBiotix has an extensive R&D programme working with leading academics in the development of microbial strains, compounds, and formulations which are used as active ingredients and supplements. More than twenty international food and healthcare supplement companies have signed agreements with OptiBiotix to incorporate their human microbiome modulators into a wide range of food products and drinks.

OptiBiotix is also developing its own range of consumer supplements and health products. The Company's current areas of focus include obesity, cardiovascular health, and diabetes.