PrecisionBiotics

PrecisionBiotics operates as a specialized entity in the human health sector, focusing on the discovery and commercialization of probiotic supplements. Originating as a spin-out from University College Cork (UCC) in 2001, initially named Alimentary Health Ltd., the company was co-founded by microbiologist Barry Kiely. Kiely, who has a career spanning over 40 years with roles at Pfizer and Shell, leveraged his experience and his work at UCC to explore probiotic solutions for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a passion that formed the company's foundation. The firm's business model revolves around direct-to-consumer sales of its scientifically-backed supplements, which are available in pharmacies without a prescription and online.

The company's core value proposition lies in its rigorous, science-first approach. PrecisionBiotics collaborates extensively with the APC Microbiome Ireland SFI Research Centre, one of the world's foremost institutions in gut microbiome research. This partnership provides access to a vast collection of bacterial strains and underpins the development of products targeting specific health conditions. This research-intensive process involves identifying unique bacterial strains and validating their efficacy through clinical trials before bringing them to market. In June 2020, the Danish biotechnology leader Novozymes (now Novonesis) acquired PrecisionBiotics for €80 million, aiming to merge its own expertise in enzymes with PrecisionBiotics' probiotic capabilities to access the growing human probiotic supplements market.

PrecisionBiotics' product portfolio features two main offerings. The first is Alflorex®, a supplement designed to alleviate the primary symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Its key ingredient is the exclusive Bifidobacterium longum 35624® strain, supported by over two decades of research and numerous scientific publications. The second flagship product, Zenflore®, targets mental well-being by addressing stress and fatigue. It contains the unique 1714-Serenitas® bacterial culture combined with selected B vitamins, which contribute to normal psychological function and the reduction of tiredness. This product is based on the concept of the gut-brain axis, where the gut microbiota communicates with the brain, influencing mood and stress responses.

Keywords: probiotic supplements, gut health, microbiome research, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, IBS relief, stress management, gut-brain axis, Bifidobacterium longum 35624, Alflorex, Zenflore, clinical probiotics, Novonesis, human health, digestive health, microbial technology, food supplements, nutraceuticals, Barry Kiely, APC Microbiome Ireland, direct-to-consumer healthcare, scientifically-backed supplements