Founded in 1996, Ganeden Biotech Inc., Cleveland, OH, is one of the largest sellers of over-the-counter (OTC) probiotics in the U.S. through its Digestive Advantage and Sustenex brands. Buoyed by the success of these products, a few years ago Ganeden Biotech decided to license its patented probiotic bacteria, GanedenBC30, for use in commercial food and beverage applications, medical foods, nutraceuticals and animal health products.

GanedenBC30 is a self-affirmed GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) probiotic, which, along with its utility in dietary supplements, can also be incorporated into many types of foods and beverages. In fact, much of Ganeden’s recent success hinges on this particular strain’s versatility.

The company explains that GanedenBC30 is the trademarked brand name of the patented bacteria strain Bacillus coagulans GBI-30, 6086. More specifically, it is a gram-positive spore-forming bacterium that, once germinated, produces L+ lactic acid, supporting good bacteria in the gut and displacing non-beneficial bacteria. A high-survivability probiotic, or good bacteria, GanedenBC30 has many inherent physical properties that make it superior to other traditional probiotic organisms, such as lactobacillus, acidophilus and bifidobacteria.

According to the company, GanedenBC30 can be formulated in most food and beverage formats, from pasta to cheese to ice cream to coffee. This is because GanedenBC30 can withstand high temperature processes such as baking and boiling, low temperature processes such as freezing and refrigeration, and high pressure applications like extrusion and roll forming. In short, the company claims, “GanedenBC30 is the probiotic that can take it.”

Mike Bush, vice president of business development, says he is proud of the company’s progress so far, but that this is just the beginning. “Today GanedenBC30 exists in 40 different foods and beverages. In 2010 alone we will more than double that number,” he said.

The company also expects to make great strides in research. In 2009 it published six studies. Looking optimistically at 2010, Mr. Bush says Ganeden will most likely close out the year with 13 published studies.

So what has made the biggest difference for the company most recently? For Mr. Bush, it comes down to advertising. “We have doubled-down on advertisements for our consumer products, which has brought a lot of awareness,” he said. “We also believe recognition of the benefits of probiotics is at an all-time high.”

Offering his thoughts on the state of the industry, Mr. Bush said, “I believe we are starting to see more science-based products vs. hype-based products. As a result, higher quality products are rising to the top. These are all things that we like to see. I think the market will continue to grow, which means it will be a good year for the industry and a good year for Ganeden.”

However, for the future, Mr. Bush warns, “If companies are going to play in this space, they should be doing their own research and properly supporting their claims. There’s a lot of room for success in this industry, but it will only go to those who invest in their own science.”

Speaking of science, while the company maintains its headquarters in Ohio, its research and development facility is located in Miami, FL. Referred to as “one of the most advanced probiotic technological research laboratories in the world,” it is guided by company founder and chief scientific officer Sean Farmer, a microbiologist and fermentation specialist. “Ganeden’s R&D organization has capabilities ranging from strain selection and genetic identification to product development support and stability testing,” the company explains. “By working in partnership with licensees, Ganeden’s research team works to ensure the most stable, efficacious probiotic products available.” —R.W.

Ganeden Biotech
5915 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 304
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
Telephone: 440-229-5200
Fax: 440-229-5240
E-mail: info@ganedenlabs.com
Website: www.ganedenlabs.com