BIOME AUSTRALIA LTD (BIO.ASX)

The Potential of Probiotics

Probiotics are microorganisms that have been found to be beneficial to health when taken as a supplement. Within the gut, probiotics that we take and the microorganisms that live in our body perform many different biological actions that can influence our health. They can help to improve digestive health by inhibiting the growth of pathogens and supporting the balance of gut microorganisms; they can also improve the function of other body systems beyond the digestive tract such as the immune system or the central nervous system. They achieve these effects through many different mechanisms, such as producing biologically active molecules which can be absorbed like nutrients and travel through the body. Different probiotic supplements will offer different health benefits depending on the probiotic strains being used and the biological actions they can perform.

The global market for probiotic products is valued at an estimated US$78.96 billion in 2024 according to Mordor Intelligence. Biome’s Activated Probiotics® range includes 18 evidence-based probiotics, each targeting a different aspect of human health with clinically tested probiotic strains. They are shelf-stable and use Microbac™ technology to ensure up to 5x more effective delivery. 

Product Overview

Biome offers a diverse selection of 18 probiotic products, each designed to address specific health conditions and supported by clinical trials. The Activated Probiotics range covers key areas such as digestive health, women’s health, allergies, and dermatology. With such a comprehensive lineup, Biome positions itself as a go-to destination for customers seeking to enhance their health through probiotics. This extensive offering fosters customer loyalty, making them less inclined to switch to alternative brands.

Sales Model

Biome uses a unique training and education driven model to drive sales in the pharmacy and practitioner channels.

• The Biome sales team comprises of health qualified Practitioner Education Consultants and Territory Managers
• Practitioner Education Consultants undertake high level product detailing and training in community pharmacies and with independent health practitioners
• High quality training and education develops stronger trust and relationships with health practitioners
• This high level of support leads to active recommendation of Biome Australia’s probiotics
• Digital educational content and assets effectively support the national sales team in servicing practitioner markets
• Health Clinics are provided to key accounts to gain trust and deliver the knowledge required to drive rapid sales growth

Consistently Strong Sales Growth

Biome has experienced continued sales growth across its distribution points. To illustrate, the data below compares the average units sold per month for the 3-month period to June 2024 vs. the prior corresponding period (3-month period to June 2023) and the annualised sales run rate based on the last 3 months’ sales to June 2024 at an average price of $22.22.

Northern Territory (An Independent Pharmacy) – 158 units (3 months to June 23) to 1,706 units (3 months to June 24), an increase of 1,548 units or $138k p.a.

Victoria (A Blooms The Chemist pharmacy) – 129 units (3 months to June 23) to 649 units (3 months to June 24), an increase of 520 units or $46k p.a.

New South Wales  (A Terry White Chemmart pharmacy) – 48 units (3 months to June 23) to 392 units (3 months to June 24), an increase of 344 units or $31k p.a.

Distribution Network

Biome currently has over 5,000 distribution points in pharmacies and independent health practitioners across Australia. The company has a distribution agreement with Terry White Chemmart, Priceline Pharmacy and the leading pharmacy distributors Symbion (EBOS) and API (Wesfarmers Health).

Current Clinical Pipeline

Biome Australia is focusing on becoming a global leader in the complementary medicine industry, offering clinically-proven, condition-specific probiotic products.

Biome is supporting novel clinical research to cement and extend the evidence base of its probiotic products. Current ongoing clinical trials are being conducted by Biome’s academic research partners La Trobe University and Federation University. Expanding the evidence base of Biome’s products is key to increasing health professional trust in product efficacy. This strengthens one of Biome’s key strategies, which is to promote the recommendation of its products alongside prescription medications for specific health concerns in order to improve patient outcomes. This level of research also solidifies Biome’s competitive advantage and will support commercial growth opportunities for the business.

Examples of Clinical Research/Publications

Biome Cholesterol

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of the probiotic formulation in Biome Cholesterol (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains KABP011™, KABP012™, and KABP013™) in adults with high cholesterol.

Fuentes, M. C., Lajo, T., Carrión, J. M., & Cuñé, J. (2016). A randomized clinical trial evaluating a proprietary mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum strains for lowering cholesterol. Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 9(2), 125–135. Available from: https://content.iospress.com/articles/mediterranean-journal-of-nutrition-and-metabolism/mnm0065

Biome Daily

Berggren A, Lazou Ahrén I, Larsson N, Önning G. Randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled study using new probiotic lactobacilli for strengthening the body immune defence against viral infections. Eur J Nutr [Internet]. 2011 Apr 28; 50(3):203–10. Available from: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s00394-010-0127-6

Busch R, Gruenwald J, Dudek S. Randomized, double blind and placebo controlled study using a combination of two probiotic Lactobacilli to alleviate symptoms and frequency of common cold. Food Nutr Sci [Internet]. 2013; 04(11):13–20. Available from: http://www.scirp.org/journal/doi.aspx?DOI=10.4236/fns.2013.411A003

Biome Breathe

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of the probiotic formulation in Biome Breathe (Lactobacillus salivarius LS01 and Bifidobacterium breve B632) in paediatric asthma.

Drago, L., Cioffi, L., Giuliano, M., Pane, M., Amoruso, A., Schiavetti, I., Reid, G., Ciprandi, G., & PROPAM Study Group. (2022). The Probiotics in Pediatric Asthma Management (PROPAM) Study in the Primary Care Setting: A Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind Trial with Ligilactobacillus salivarius LS01 (DSM 22775) and Bifidobacterium breve B632 (DSM 24706). Journal of Immunology Research, 2022, 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/3837418

Biome Acne

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of the probiotic formulation in Biome Acne (Lactobacillus salivarius LS03, Lactobacillus casei LC03 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03) in adults with acne.

Rinaldi, F., Marotta, L., Mascolo, A., Amoruso, A., Pane, M., Giuliani, G., & Pinto, D. (2022). Facial Acne: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on the Clinical Efficacy of a Symbiotic Dietary Supplement. Dermatology and Therapy. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-021-00664-z

Biome Osteo

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of the probiotic combination in Biome Osteo (Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL9, Lactobacillus plantarum HEAL19 and Lactobacillus paracasei 8700:2) in preserving bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

Jansson PA, Curiac D, Lazou Ahrén I, Hansson F, Martinsson Niskanen T, Sjögren K, et al. Probiotic treatment using a mix of three Lactobacillus strains for lumbar spine bone loss in postmenopausal women: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial. Lancet Rheumatol [Internet]. 2019; 1(3):e154–62. Available from: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanrhe/article/PIIS2665-9913(19)30068-2/fulltext

Biome Dental

These studies are two of ten that have been designed to assess the efficacy of the probiotic formulation in Biome Dental (Lactobacillus helveticus Rosell®-52, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell®-11, Bifidobacterium longum Rosell®-175 and Saccharomyces boulardii (CNCM I-1079) in dental and oral health outcomes in children and adults. The first study examines reductions in plaque accumulation in children when using the probiotic, the second examines reductions in gum inflammation in adults.

Thakkar, P. K., Imranulla, M., Kumar, P. G. N., Prashant, G. M., Sakeenabi, B., & Sushanth, V. H. (2013). Effect of probiotic mouthrinse on dental plaque accumulation: A randomized controlled trial. Dentistry and Medical Research, 1(1), 7–12. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/dmrs/fulltext/2013/01010/Effect_of_probiotic_mouthrinse_on_dental_plaque.4.aspx

Deshmukh, M. A., Dodamani, A. S., Karibasappa, G., Khairnar, M. R., Naik, R. G., & Jadhav, H. C. (2017). Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of probiotic, herbal and chlorhexidine mouthwash on gingival health: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 11(3), ZC13–ZC16. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/28511500/

Biome Lax

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of the probiotic formulation in Biome Lax (Lactobacillus plantarum LP01 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03) in adults with evacuation disorders and hard stools (constipation).

Del Piano, M., Carmagnola, S., Anderloni, A., Andorno, S., Ballar̈, M., Balzarini, M., Montino, F., Orsello, M., Pagliarulo, M., Sartori, M., Tari, R., Sforza, F., & Capurso, L. (2010). The use of probiotics in healthy volunteers with evacuation disorders and hard stools: A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 44, 30–34. Available from: https://journals.lww.com/jcge/abstract/2010/09001/the_use_of_probiotics_in_healthy_volunteers_with.9.aspx

Biome Eczema

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of the probiotic strain in Biome Eczema (Lactobacillus salivarius LS01) in adults with atopic dermatitis (eczema).

Drago, L., Toscano, M., de Vecchi, E., Piconi, S., & Iemoli, E. (2012). Changing of fecal flora and clinical effect of L. salivarius LS01 in adults with atopic dermatitis. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 46(S1), 56–63. https://doi.org/10.1097/MCG.0b013e318265ef38

Biome Iron

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of the formulation in Biome Iron (Lactobacillus plantarum 299v alongside folic acid, vitamin C and iron) in improving the absorption of iron from a meal when compared to folic acid, vitamin C and iron alone.

Hoppe M, Önning G, Berggren A, Hulthén L. Probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum 299v increases iron absorption from an iron-supplemented fruit drink: A double-isotope cross-over single-blind study in women of reproductive age. Br J Nutr. 2015; 114(8):1195–202. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4594053/

Hoppe M, Önning G, Hulthén L. Freeze-dried Lactobacillus plantarum 299v increases iron absorption in young females – Double isotope sequential single-blind studies in menstruating women. PLoS One. 2017; 12(12):1–15. Available from: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0189141

Biome Lift

Marotta A, Sarno E, Casale A Del, Pane M, Mogna L, Amoruso A, et al. Effects of probiotics on cognitive reactivity, mood, and sleep quality. Front Psychiatry. 2019; 10(164):1–11. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00164/full

Biome Recovery

Jäger, R., Purpura, M., Stone, J. D., Turner, S. M., Anzalone, A. J., Eimerbrink, M. J., Pane, M., Amoruso, A., Rowlands, D. S., & Oliver, J. M. (2016). Probiotic Streptococcus thermophilus FP4 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03 supplementation attenuates performance and range-of-motion decrements following muscle-damaging exercise. Nutrients, 8(10), 1–11. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5084029/

AXP Recovery Probiotic

Jäger R, Purpura M, Stone JD, Turner SM, Anzalone AJ, Eimerbrink MJ, et al. Probiotic Streptococcus thermophilus FP4 and Bifidobacterium breve BR03 supplementation attenuates performance and range-of-motion decrements following muscle damaging exercise. Nutrients. 2016; 8(10):1–11. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5084029/

Appethyl (Activated Nutrients Professional Range – Slim Down)

Montelius C, Erlandsson D, Vitija E, Stenblom EL, Egecioglu E, Erlanson-Albertsson C. Body weight loss, reduced urge for palatable food and increased release of GLP-1 through daily supplementation with green-plant membranes for three months in overweight women. Appetite [Internet]. 2014; 81:295–304. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2014.06.101

Stenblom EL, Egecioglu E, Landin-Olsson M, Erlanson-Albertsson C. Consumption of thylakoid-rich spinach extract reduces hunger, increases satiety and reduces cravings for palatable food in overweight women. Appetite [Internet]. 2015; 91:209–19. Available from: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2015.04.051

Follow the link below to learn more about the Activated Probiotics range

Activated Probiotics Clinical Summary Guide

KEY PEOPLE

• 

  Blair Norfolk

  Managing Director

  Biome has a highly credentialed and experienced team led by the Managing Director and CEO Blair Norfolk. Blair has over 10 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical and natural medicine industries. As the founding Managing Director of Biome, Blair has successfully secured the unique products underpinning the company, facilitated clinical trials, established distribution, recruited staff and led the IPO process. It is Blair’s passion, drive and entrepreneurial management style that has established Biome to where it is today.

  Blair is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and holds a Master of Advanced Marketing from Monash University and a Bachelor of Commerce – Marketing/Accounting from Deakin University.

• 

  Ilario Faenza

  Chairman

  Ilario has over 30 years of corporate and director experience in Australia, United States, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. He has built and worked with more than 30 companies over the past 30 years including roles as Chief Operating Officer, Managing Director, Executive Director, Advisor, Executive Director, Executive Chairman, Non-Executive Director and Non-Executive Chairman. Ilario has also been a Director of multiple ASX-listed companies over the past 22 years. He has chaired the audit and risk committee and served on the remuneration committee for ASX listed Eftel Limited in addition to being a member of the audit and risk committee and Remuneration committee for ASX Listed Tel.Pacific Limited. Ilario also managed the Scheme of Arrangement for People Telecom Limited in relation to its merger with M2 Group Limited.

• 

  Dominique Fisher

  Non-Executive Director

  Dominique couples her experience in tech driven businesses with a strong focus on risk mitigation and financial management. She has worked in a range of sectors in both executive and non-executive roles including: insurance, procurement, publishing, media, wholesale manufacturing, retail, biotech, e-commerce, business mobility software, performing arts, location data, digital and internet services, transport and logistics, artificial intelligence, property development, telecommunications, edtech, postal services, advertising and professional services.

  Dominique has combined her executive career with an extensive non-executive career, having served on four ASX listed companies and has been involved in two IPOs (IAG and TGO); numerous private companies including Integrity Life Group, various government and private advisory boards at both state and federal for both major political parties, Geoscape Australia and government agencies including the Sydney Opera House, Australia Post and the Australian Council for the Arts.

• 

  Douglas Loh

  Chief Financial Officer

  Douglas holds a Bachelor of Economics (Hons) from the University of Monash, is a CPA and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He has over 30 years of advisory, company management, investment management, and market research experience with a focus on smaller companies. He is a founding member of Acorn Capital, Australia’s first boutique investment manager specialising in the Australia microcap sector.

• 

  Dr Jaroslav Boublik

  Chief Science Officer

  Dr.  Boublik has conducted research at Prince Henry’s Hospital Medical Research Centre, The Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry in China, The Salk Institute, La Jolla USA, and the Baker Medical Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia. He previously held a Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellowship, a Neil Hamilton Fairley Postdoctoral Fellowship, and was an R. Douglas Wright Fellow. Dr Boublik has over 30 peer reviewed and invited articles in scientific journals and is an inventor on four patents.

  Dr. Boublik is a consultant to the nutrition R&D sector and has been a board member of several companies in nutritional medicine and complementary medical research and development. In the USA between 2008 and 2017 he developed dozens of new products for client companies in nutrition, sports performance, hydration and functional foods. He has also served three years as Lead OHSE Auditor for the CSIRO – Australia’s peak scientific and industrial research organization.

  Dr. Boublik is an Associate Member, Australian College for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, member of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, and a Chartered Chemist. He has a Ph.D. in Medicine and a B.Sc. (Hons) Chemistry (Monash University) and is a member of the Monash University and Fulbright Alumni Associations.

• 

  Rebecca Edwards

  Education Director

  Rebecca is a speaker, writer, educator, and qualified naturopath (BA, Adv Dip Nat, Dip Nut). She has more than fifteen years of experience educating on all aspects of complementary and integrative health, delivering naturopathic education to healthcare practitioners around the world. Rebecca has lectured to undergraduate students in Australia, the UK, and the US, and is a passionate and inspiring speaker.

  After being inspired by a naturopath, she decided to follow a more holistic pathway undertaking a degree in English and History before qualifying as a naturopath. Rebecca has always been interested in people and learning, being fascinated by the connection between human health and the natural world. Rebecca leads the national team of educators of Biome to provide high quality, evidence-based education on the world of the microbiome.