Wellmune WGP® Receives Non-Novel Foods Status in Canada
EAGAN, MN — February 12, 2009 — Health Canada has notified Biothera that it has no objection to the use of Wellmune WGP®, a natural immune health ingredient, in foods and beverages.
The Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, conducted a comprehensive review of safety data and other information for Wellmune WGP, including its composition, process, proposed level of use and history of safe use.
“Wellmune WGP is supported by strong safety data and a long history of safe use in food,” said Richard Mueller, Biothera president and chief executive officer. “Obtaining non-novel foods status in Canada opens the door for Wellmune WGP in numerous foods applications.”
Wellmune WGP naturally activates and directs innate immune cells to more quickly identify and kill foreign challenges. It is highly purified from the cell walls of a proprietary strain of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Wellmune WGP has GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) approval in the U.S. and TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) approval in Australia.
"Gaining Canadian approval for Wellmune WGP in foods is an important milestone and will spark major food manufacturers to include Wellmune in their products," Marie-Claude Langlois, vice president of Sales & Development for René Rivet Inc., Biothera’s distributor in Canada.
Biothera has completed four clinical studies demonstrating the ability of Wellmune WGP to protect against stress-related health challenges. The studies featured four different populations including firefighters, marathoners and individuals experiencing high lifestyle or physical stress. In each study, participants taking Wellmune WGP reported substantial improvements in vigor, mental clarity overall health, as well as reductions in upper respiratory infection symptoms.
About Wellmune WGP
Wellmune WGP is a functional food, beverage and dietary supplement ingredient available worldwide through Biothera and its distributors. This natural compound (gluco polysaccharide) is isolated from the cell walls of a proprietary strain of yeast. Wellmune WGP is patented, GRAS-approved, Kosher, non-allergenic and GMO-free. Numerous peer-reviewed studies support the safety and efficacy of Wellmune WGP, which is the culmination of years of research and a technology investment of more than $250 million. Wellmune WGP is available as a soluble and dispersible powder for ease of formulation in a wide range of foods and beverages, including clear liquids.
About Biothera, the Immune Health Company
Biothera is a biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health. The company manufactures and markets Wellmune WGP and other food-grade ingredients that support healthy immune function to the functional food and beverage, nutritional supplement, cosmetic and animal nutrition markets.
Contacts:
David Walsh
VP Communications
Biothera, the Immune Health Company
651-256-4606
Marie-Claude Langlois
VP Sales & Development
René Rivet Inc.
450-621-3362, ext 244