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GENERAL: BLT: Study Results - BLIS K12 Probiotic- Strep Throat

13 Feb 2017 14:26NZX
MEDIA RELEASE

February 13, 2017.

Study results show K12 probiotic helps prevent rheumatic fever

As the Government launches a new rheumatic fever awareness campaign this
week, results from a recent European clinical trial show that the daily use
of a Kiwi-developed oral probiotic, BLIS K12 TM, is associated with a
significant and ongoing reduction in throat infections and other
streptococcal diseases among children.1

Rheumatic fever is a complication of a throat infection caused by
Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. Left untreated, the bacteria can cause
serious health problems, including heart failure or heart valve damage.
Children and young people from Pacific and Maori communities are the most
vulnerable.

The Government''s $65 million programme to reduce the number of new rheumatic
fever cases by two-thirds by June 2017 is falling behind its target and the
goal might not be reached till 2019 or later.

BLIS K12 or Streptococcus salivarius K12 is the world''s first probiotic for
the mouth and throat and is hostile to the growth of Streptococcus pyogenes,
the most important bacterial cause of throat infections in humans.

"BLIS K12 populates the mouth and throat with a beneficial strain of
Streptococcus salivarius which not only crowds out the bad bacteria, but
produces antimicrobial peptides that add a level of protection against them
coming back.  As this latest study shows, it is effective in preventing
streptococcal throat infections.

We believe this probiotic should be considered, alongside other strategies,
as one way of reducing streptococcal sore throats and the possible
complications such as rheumatic fever in our communities," explains BLIS
Technologies chief technology officer, Dr John Hale.

The study, published in the Drug Healthcare and Patient Safety Journal by a
team from Velleja Research led by Dr Francesco Di Pierro in Italy, ran an
observational study of 124 schoolchildren in 2014.  The treated group of 48
children with a recent history of recurrent pharyngeal streptococcal disease
(sore throats) received a daily oral dose of BLIS K12 for 90 days.  A control
group of 76 children with no recent history of sore throats who were not
given BLIS K12 was also monitored.

During the trial the incidence of throat infections (streptococcal
pharyngo-tonsillitis) was reduced by 90 percent in the treated group compared
to the previous (pre-treatment) year and was lower than the untreated low
risk control group.
The authors reported that the results agree with previous findings that BLIS
K12 offers benefits to children in reducing streptococcal disease along with
some other throat and ear infections.2

BLIS K12 is present in ThroatGuard Lozenges and ToddlerProtect powder, both
of which are available over-the-counter from pharmacies and online at
www.blis.co.nz
Ends

References
1. Di Pierro F1, Colombo M2, Zanvit A3, Rottoli AS4. Positive clinical
outcomes derived from using Streptococcus salivarius K12 to prevent
streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis in children: a pilot investigation. Drug
Healthc Patient Saf. 2016 Nov 21;8:77-81. eCollection 2016.
2. F. Di Pierro, M. Colombo, M.G. Giuliani, M.L. Danza, I. Basile, T.
Bollani, A.M. Conti, A. Zanvit, A.S. Rottoli. Effect of administration of
Streptococcus salivarius K12 on the occurrence of streptococcal
pharyngo-tonsillitis, scarlet fever and acute otitis media in 3 years old
children. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci Year: 2016 Vol. 20 - N. 21 Pages:
4601-4606.

About BLIS Technologies
Blis Technologies Limited was formed to commercialise advanced probiotic
strains that work outside the gut. Professor John Tagg of the Microbiology
and Immunology Department at the University of Otago gathered and extensively
catalogued a collection of more than 2000 of these bacteria over a period of
more than 30 years. Blis Technologies acquired the rights to this unique
collection of bacteria from the University of Otago and in July 2001, the
company was listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange. In the time since its
listing,the company has developed consumer products for throat health,
halitosis (bad breath), immune support and teeth and gum health.
Media contact:
Brenda Saunders, Trio Communications, Auckland. Phone: 021 777 171.
End CA:00296668 For:BLT    Type:GENERAL    Time:2017-02-13 14:26:49
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