Mr Sukumar: Brand Vibact that is currently available in the market consists of Bacillus mesentricus, Clostridium butyricum, Streptococcus faecalis and Lactobacilus sporogenes. It is prescribed for diarrhea. It yields short chain fatty acids, such as butyric acid and acetic acid, with a resultant decrease in intestinal pH and inhibition of growth of harmful bacteria. The short chain fatty acids, in addition, help to regularize abnormal bowel movements. The short chain fatty acids also help in adjustment of water and electrolyte concentration of the intestinal tract.

Vibact IBS will contain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, which specifically treats symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome, such as abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and constipation. The bloating and pain experienced by an IBS-patient is due to abnormal colonic fermentation giving rise to an excess of gas production. Lp299v decreases concentration of these gas-producing microorganisms in the GI tract and also inhibits the inflammatory response caused by them in the gut lining. It improves gut transit. Lp 299v is known to stimulate mucin secretion, which hinders the growth of disease-promoting bacteria. Hence, Vibact is used for reducing stool frequency and shortening duration of diarrhoea, whereas Vibact IBS will be used for treating symptoms associated with IBS.

What is the reason behind launching the product in India? Are you planning to release the product in other Asian countries as well?

Mr Oredsson: I believe Asia will be our most important region in terms of growth in consumer healthcare over the next five years, and India is one of the major markets in Asia.

The Vibact IBS/Probi probiotic has a broad target population in every country, people suffering from temporary or chronic gastrointestinal problems, such as abdominal pain, bloating and gas formation. Probi's product has a unique and clinically proven effect on these problems, whether they are diagnosed as IBS or are milder or more temporary. We know that there is a large market for this product in India, and the most recent clinical study on the product was conducted in India with great results.