Chr. Hansen probiotic strains receive landmark health claim in Japan

For the first time, a probiotic solution for women’s health has received a health claim in Japan. The health claim application filed by Yuhido Inc., a Japanese customer, is related to their product which contains Chr. Hansen's probiotic strain combination named RC-14^® and GR-1^®; also referred to as UREX^™.

Yuhido Inc. may now claim the following benefits on their product and packaging:

“This product contains lactic acid bacteria GR-1^® (Lactobacillus rhamnosus) and RC-14^® (Lactobacillus reuteri). It has been reported that lactic acid bacteria GR-1^® and RC-14^® have the functions of improving the vaginal environment and regulating the condition in the vagina.”

“This is exceptionally good news. UREX^™ is the first and only probiotic product with a registered health claim within vaginal health in Japan, an important market in Chr. Hansen’s Asia/Pacific region. We expect that this will drive increased interest in this concept in Japan,” says Chr. Hansen’s Michael Yi, Principal Sales Manager, Human Health, Korea & Japan.

Women’s health is one of the fastest growing categories in the probiotics market, which is also felt at Chr. Hansen: “We are seeing an increasing awareness of the benefits of our probiotic strains in the urogenital health area. This trend is also driven by an increasing acceptance of urogenital health as a vital part of one’s personal well-being, coupled with a move towards natural solutions,” elaborates Michael Yi.

Having the customer’s back

The UREX^™ health claim, which became a reality in early March, comes after a two-year long process of documenting the health benefits of Chr. Hansen’s probiotic strains to CAA. A process through which Chr. Hansen stood side by side with the customer when it came to providing documentation and answering follow-up questions from the authority. 

“Just as our products are backed by science, our customers are backed by us,” notes Michael Yi. “To us, customer centricity is at the heart at everything we do, and we see scientific advice and continuous dialogue as a natural element in cooperating with customers.”

In Japan, Chr. Hansen’s products in the human health field are sold and distributed to customers by Teijin Limited, a Japanese enterprise with whom Chr. Hansen signed an agency contract in January 2020.

Chr. Hansen is a global, differentiated bioscience company that develops natural ingredient solutions for the food, nutritional, pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. At Chr. Hansen we are uniquely positioned to drive positive change through microbial solutions. We have worked for almost 150 years to enable sustainable agriculture, better food and healthier living for more people around the world. Our microbial and fermentation technology platforms, including our broad and relevant collection of around 50,000 microbial strains, have game-changing potential. Matching customer needs and global trends we continue to unlock the power of good bacteria to respond to global challenges such as food waste, global health and the overuse of antibiotics and pesticides. As one of the world’s most sustainable companies, we touch the lives of more than 1 billion people every day. Driven by our legacy of innovation and curiosity to pioneer science, our purpose – To grow a better world. Naturally. – is at the heart of everything we do.