Stephen O’Hara was upbeat on the outlook for ProBiotix Health PLC (AQSE:PBX) as he delivered a review of the company’s progress to date.
The director, who is also the chief executive of the company’s main shareholder, OptiBiotix Health PLC (AIM:OPTI), confirmed ProBiotix had reached ‘operational profitability’ on the back of growing sales, particularly online.
Going forward, the group has “a clear strategic focus on growing the business by commercialising ingredients and final products across more territories and more application areas with existing and new partners”, O'Hara added.
New CEO takes helm
Steen Andersen has now officially taken the helm of the business, which has developed probiotics to tackle cardiovascular disease and other lifestyle conditions. He brings over 30 years of experience in the probiotics industry and has held leadership positions at several companies in the field.
In a wide-ranging commercial and scientific update, ProBiotix reported growing interest in its LPLDL product in the dairy industry following the launch of Yo-Life with partner Granja Pocha in Uruguay.
Yo-Life is a functional dairy food that claims to "help reduce cholesterol." The company has also seen increased use of LPLDL in other dairy products, including a spreadable cream, drinking yoghurt, Greek yoghurt starter culture in the US, and a creamy herb cheese in Canada.
'Scale of the opportunity is large'
“The scale of the market opportunity in probiotics is large, particularly outside the traditional gut health and health and wellbeing markets, where growth is slowing,” the company told investors.
“This is increasing interest in ProBiotix and its products from larger partners looking to sustain future growth.
“The proven safety and efficacy of our products, the substantial scope for expansion of our range and geography, and the appointment of a proven commercial industry leader, allow us to look to 2023 with confidence and enthusiasm.”
On the scientific front, ProBiotix is continuing studies to support sales and marketing efforts and expand its product pipeline.
Current studies include investigations into the impact of LPLDL on sleep, stress, and anxiety, and the reduction of cholesterol in coeliac disease.
Beyond AQUIS
The company is also exploring new probiotic strains and extending the applications and use of LPLDL.
Finally, the group said it was working with AQUIS, which runs the AQUIS Growth Market on which ProBiotix is listed, to explore opportunities in other markets, including AIM, to increase liquidity in the company's shares.
Probiotics and cholesterol
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are believed to have a range of health benefits, particularly for the digestive system. Some studies have suggested that certain types of probiotics may be able to help lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, so finding ways to lower cholesterol levels is important for maintaining good overall health.
One theory is that they can break down bile, a fluid that helps the body digest fat.
Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder, and released into the small intestine when we eat food that contains fat. Some probiotics may be able to break down the bile, which can make it harder for the body to absorb cholesterol from the food we eat.
Probiotics may also be able to help lower cholesterol levels by increasing the production of short-chain fatty acids in the intestine. Short-chain fatty acids have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.