PR84170

RHEINBREITBACH, Germany, May 27, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH today announces the publication of the latest

results from its norovirus research program in the Journal of Biotechnology.

Breast-fed infants are less likely than bottle-fed infants to contract

norovirus infections, and earlier work has indicated a link between this

protective effect and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). In our previous

study, we found that the most abundant HMOs, namely 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL)

and 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), can directly inhibit certain serotypes of

norovirus by blocking interactions between the virus and its natural receptor.

In this latest study, entitled "Biotechnologically produced fucosylated

oligosaccharides inhibit the binding of human noroviruses to their natural

receptors", we extended our work to include additional HMOs such as

lacto-N-fucopenatose I and even more complex oligosaccharides.

"With more than 600 million infections and 200 000 deaths per year and no

treatment available, norovirus is definitely a global health problem, and a

particular threat to infants, small children and the elderly," states Dr Stefan

Jennewein, CEO of Jennewein Biotechnologie. "Our company has been working for

many years on the development of HMOs and other complex carbohydrates that bind

to norovirus and prevent infections."

Dr Katja Parschat, Co-Head of R&D at Jennewein Biotechnologie, adds: "Complex

oligosaccharides such as HMOs can mimic the structure of the virus's natural

receptor on human cells, coating the virus and preventing it from interacting

with its targets. We demonstrated this ability for 2'-FL and 3-FL in our

previous study. But the development of more complex oligosaccharides, which

mimic the virus receptors even more closely, allows us to significantly improve

this protective effect."

About human milk oligosaccharides  

HMOs are complex sugar molecules that are only present in breast milk.

Excluding water, they are the third most abundant constituent of human milk

after fats and lactose. More than 200 structurally distinct HMOs have been

identified.

The most abundant HMO is 2'-FL, which is produced by about 80% of all lactating

mothers and is present at concentrations of up to 3 g/L. HMOs, and 2'-FL in

particular, have a positive impact on infant development by promoting the

growth of beneficial microorganisms and inhibiting the growth of pathogens,

directly and indirectly preventing colonisation. Jennewein Biotechnologie

launched its 2'-FL product onto the global baby food market in 2015, and

several infant milk formulas around the world now contain 2'-FL (e.g., Abbott

Similac, Danone Aptamil ProFutura).

About Jennewein Biotechnologie

Jennewein Biotechnologie is a leading international industrial biotechnology

company with a product range including complex oligosaccharides (HMOs) and rare

monosaccharides. The company manufactures an extensive portfolio of innovative

HMO products, such as 2'-FL, 3-FL, lacto-N-neotetraose and lacto-N-tetraose.

These rare sugars are used in the food industry (particularly in infant milk

formulas), the pharmaceutical industry, and the cosmetics industry. The

manufacturing process involves state-of-the-art fermentation techniques. In

2015, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Jennewein

Biotechnologie a license to market 2'-FL in the USA. This was followed in 2017

by European Union marketing authorisation under the Novel Food Regulation.

Jennewein Biotechnologie was the very first who filed and obtained a novel food

approval for a product origination from a recombinant bacterial process in the

European Union.

For further information, please contact:

Dr. Bettina Gutierrez

bettina.gutierrez@jennewein-biotech.de

+49 2224 98810 797

www.jennewein-biotech.com

Source: Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH