The Hospital Research Foundation Group has welcomed a major milestone for local biotech success story BiomeBank, which will see “next generation” probiotics developed for international markets in partnership with Blackmores Group.
These innovative probiotics will be designed using targeted bacteria derived from the gut of healthy humans – a novel approach not typically used in traditional products, representing a significant step forward in how probiotics are developed.
As an early supporter and seed funder of BiomeBank, The Hospital Research Foundation Group is sharing this landmark development as an example of how South Australian research can translate into real-world health solutions to benefit millions of people.
Founded in 2018 by two Adelaide gastroenterologists thanks to strategic, administrative and financial support from The Hospital Research Foundation Group, BiomeBank originally began as Australia’s first “stool bank”, helping treat serious bowel conditions through faecal microbiota transplants.
Now an emerging biotechnology company, BiomeBank has secured significant $15 million investment from Blackmores to develop two new probiotic products designed to restore and support gut health using bacteria naturally found in the human body.
Why this matters for everyday Australians
Emerging research indicates that gut health is increasingly linked to overall wellbeing, including digestion, immunity and even mental health. However, modern lifestyles, diet and antibiotics use are contributing to a decline in beneficial gut bacteria.
These new probiotics aim to go beyond traditional over-the-counter options by using carefully selected strains from healthy human microbiomes – potentially offering more effective support for people experiencing gut health issues.
The Hospital Research Foundation Group CEO, Professor Paul Flynn, said this type of innovation represents the future of healthcare.
“We are incredibly proud to have supported BiomeBank from its genesis,” Prof Flynn said.
“This milestone shows how investing in medical research can lead to breakthroughs that improve everyday health – not just here in Australia, but around the world.
“This is exactly why we invest in bold ideas and emerging science – because today’s research can become tomorrow’s life-changing health solutions.”
The next frontier of gut health
BiomeBank co-founder Dr Sam Costello said the investment represents a significant step in bringing microbiome-based products to a global audience.
“This investment allows us to develop new probiotic products, in partnership with Blackmores, using strains from our extensive collection of human gut bacteria,” Dr Costello said.
“These are strains that are largely absent from currently available probiotics, giving us the opportunity to create more targeted and effective products for consumers.
“This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the early support of The Hospital Research Foundation Group.
“Their backing allowed us to take an idea born out of unmet need and build the scientific platform we rely on today. That early investment gave us the time, credibility and capability to translate microbiome research into real products that can now reach people in Australia and around the world.”
The global microbiome health sector is rapidly expanding, driven by growing awareness of the importance of gut health.
Importantly, BiomeBank will continue to advance its pharmaceutical programs, including therapies for serious conditions such as ulcerative colitis, alongside its consumer probiotic products.
