BioMérieux Launches PCR Testing Solution to Verify Probiotic Species in Dietary Supplement Manufacturing

BioMérieux, a specialist in in vitro diagnostics, launched Gene-Up Probiotic Species ID, a commercialized species-level identification PCR solution for in-house quality control teams and external laboratory partners. The new solution, developed in partnership with the supplement brand NOW, can verify the species of 18 common probiotic species in 90 minutes or less, helping to bypass the cost, complexity, and delays of traditional workflows.

NOW previously relied on third-party reference labs for multi-strain species identification in a mixed formulation, which motivated the brand to partner with BioMérieux to develop a faster, capable option.

“In the U.S., where the probiotics market continues to grow and consumer scrutiny continues to rise, Gene-Up Probiotic Species ID gives manufacturers the confidence to stand behind their products and deliver precise species identification that supports label integrity and protects brand reputation,” said Miguel Villa, senior vice president of North American industrial applications at BioMérieux.  

Existing quality control approaches for species-level identification are costly, complex, or slow, placing operational strain on quality teams and limiting routine testing, the company reported. Pressure is driving demand for testing solutions that are scientifically robust, but faster and more practical.

“Probiotic manufacturers are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape where ensuring reliable species verification is becoming essential, not only for quality control, but also for minimizing operational risk, supporting accurate label claims and maintaining market access in a highly competitive category,” said Alejo Migones, senior vice president of global food safety and quality at BioMérieux.

Gene-Up Probiotic Species ID can accurately identify 18 commonly-used probiotic species across capsules and powders, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and Bifidobacterium lactis.

“Waiting weeks for compendial-based species identification created bottlenecks across our operations, from delayed production release to increased holding costs and unnecessary product risk,” said Maria Mendres, microbiology manager at NOW. “Our partnership with BioMérieux to develop Gene-Up Probiotic Species ID gives us, as well as the industry at large, the ability to generate accurate, on-site species-level results in 90 minutes or less. That speed and accessibility not only helps us hit production targets and minimize waste, but also strengthens our ability to consistently deliver validated label claims to protect the integrity of our brand.”

The solution is being adopted by third-party reference labs to broaden their probiotic testing capabilities, the company reported. The assays provide a rapid, standardized approach to species identification, serving as a complementary option to sequencing for routine testing and high-throughput screening. It’s designed for laboratory workflows to provide timely label verification, manage increasing sample volumes, and allow sequencing resources to be reserved for more complex analytical needs.