Madrid, Spain—Biosearch Life and China-based By-Health have signed an R&D agreement and a new contract for the supply of isolated strains from breast milk from Biosearch Life’s Hereditum range.

By-Health focuses on the research, development, production, and distribution of dietary supplements. A press release on the topic states that the company is “markedly transparent” with “strict quality controls.”

In the Memorandum of Understanding in R&D signed by both companies in May, a commitment was made to collaborate on the development of applications from probiotic strains isolated from breast milk to support children’s health. The agreement is intended to increase each company’s competitive advantages in terms of scientific research, technology, product development, and marketing. The agreement is targeted at the Chinese, New Zealand, and Australian markets.

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The LC40 strain from the Hereditum range is one of the 10 probiotic strains registered in China for use in infant formula, the press release notes. China has one of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the world—around 20%, compared to a 41% global average—making it the largest child nutrition market in the world.

José María Roset, CEO of Biosearch Life, said in the press release: “For Biosearch it is very important to be able to count on collaborators at the level of By-Health in such a demanding and, at the same time, promising market as the Asian market, in particular the Chinese. We are convinced that this new trade, business and research relationship, will be very positive for both parties.”