P.L. Thomas Teams up with Biothera to Tackle Burgeoning Market for Immune Health Support

MORRISTOWN, NJ – P.L. Thomas & Co., Inc. announced today that it will be marketing Wellmune®, a unique, patented natural ingredient that is clinically studied to boost the immune system to keep the body healthy. It is ideal for year-round daily consumption in virtually all food, beverage and dietary supplement formulations. The company will work with Biothera (Eagan, MN), which has some of the best peer-reviewed, published science in the natural products industry, to meet the already large and growing consumer demand for immune health support in a wide range of functional product forms with immune health label claims. Wellmune® is a proprietary baker’s yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan that is clinically studied to safely strengthen key immune cell function to enhance overall health. This natural food, beverage and supplement ingredient has regulatory approval around the world, including GRAS status in the U.S. and novel foods approval in Europe and China. P.L. Thomas will be responsible for sales and marketing of Wellmune® in the Eastern and Midwest USA.

According to Devin Stagg, Director, Corporate Strategy for P.L. Thomas, Wellmune® is an ideal fit for the company’s focus on innovative, proven ingredient solutions to growing consumer needs. “A recent survey showed that over 87% of the U.S. population is currently consuming or is interested in consuming foods and beverages that improve immune system function. Other surveys have shown that interest in immune health was cited more often than pain relief, weight control or reducing heart risk,” he said. “With over $300 million invested in research, numerous successful clinical trials, broad regulatory acceptance and a handful of significant industry awards, Wellmune® has a strong pedigree. In fact, it’s got one of the best clinical trial profiles that we’ve ever seen in the natural products industry. We are looking forward to working with product developers to help them incorporate Wellmune® into their formulations and successfully bring this powerful immune booster to all of their customers,” he added.

Wellmune® is a natural baker’s yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan derived from the cell walls of a proprietary strain of yeast. Its mechanism of action involves boosting innate immune cells called neutrophils – the largest population of immune cells in the body – without stimulating the immune system. Nine human clinical studies – eight of which have been published or accepted for publication in peer-reviewed journals – demonstrate its ability to help maintain energy, vigor and mental clarity; strengthen immunity to protect against the harmful effects of stress and boost the immune system before and after intense exercise. It was the recipient of a 2007 Institute of Food Technologists Innovation Award, a 2011 SupplySide West Award for Scientific Excellence, and most recently a Nutraceutical Business and Technology award for “Outstanding Application in Health Management” at last month’s Vitafoods Europe in Geneva.

In addition, Wellmune® has received broad global regulatory approval, including FDA GRAS and novel food approval for the E.U. and China. It is the subject of more than 50 U.S. patents and patents pending, plus additional filings in more than 20 countries. It is certified for use in kosher, halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free products and is ideal for virtually all food, beverage and dietary supplement formulations.

P.L. Thomas track record in commercialization a factor in selection

According to Richard G. Mueller, Chief Executive Officer, Biothera, the selection of P.L. Thomas as a commercialization partner on Wellmune® was based on the company’s successful track record of marketing science-based innovative ingredients to the natural products and food and beverage industries. “P.L. Thomas has a keen understanding of the needs of food and beverage product developers to bring innovative new offerings to market. At the same time, they recognized the impact that products containing Wellmune could have in meeting consumer demand for products to boost immune health and their role in overall health and well-being.”

According to Stagg, quality, proven products such as Wellmune® are key to the P.L. Thomas’s mission to serve as partners in progress in all aspects of their customers’ product development. “Wellmune® is an excellent addition to our already strong lineup of ingredient offerings, and we’ll bring the full measure of our expertise to bear on helping our clients work it into their product lines,” he said. “At P.L. Thomas, our focus is on working with marketing and product development teams to develop innovative ingredient solution that helps them differentiate their products.”

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About P.L. Thomas
P.L. Thomas is a trusted discoverer, developer, and distributor of high-quality, scientifically-supported ingredients that enhance health and functionality. As a leading ingredients innovator, PLT’s global network of strategic partnerships provides unique access to impactful solutions. By delivering an unsurpassed mix of expertise, resources, and service, PLT is committed to helping both its strategic partners and valued customers grow.

About Wellmune®
Wellmune is a proprietary baker’s yeast beta 1,3/1,6 glucan that is clinically proven to boost key immune cells that keep the body healthy. This natural food, beverage and supplement ingredient has regulatory approval around the world, including GRAS status in the U.S. and novel foods approval in Europe and China. Wellmune is available in more than 100 products in more than 50 countries around the world. It is also patented, Kosher, Halal, non-allergenic and GMO-free. Wellmune is a recent winner of an NBT Award for its research program and has won a number of other industry awards. Wellmune is a product of Biothera, a U.S. biotechnology company dedicated to improving immune health.