The Muscle Mag
BiOkuris was established as a subsidiary of Kitozyme, a manufacturer specializing in chitosan and chitin-glucan products that are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemicals, plastics, and animal-derived ingredients. The focus of BiOkuris is to explore the potential health benefits of these fungal ingredients for human consumption.
In 2021, BiOkuris was launched with a primary goal of developing nutraceutical solutions for chronic intestinal diseases utilizing insoluble fiber chitin-glucan as a base ingredient. This ingredient serves as a platform for creating microbiome-modulating products by combining it synergistically with other beneficial ingredients.
One of the key ingredients, Kiotransine chitin-glucan, is a proprietary biopolymer derived from Aspergillus niger, offering unique benefits in combating intestinal issues. Its tested advantages include pain reduction, anti-inflammatory effects, modulation of gut microbiota, promotion of short-chain fatty acid production, and toxin chelation.
Through thorough research and screening, BiOkuris has developed a product lineup that incorporates Kiotransine. The first product, Gastrap, combines the core ingredient with simethicone to alleviate gas and bloating. A second product, currently undergoing clinical trials for IBS, combines probiotics and vitamin D3. Additionally, a third product targeted at “IBS-like symptoms” is being evaluated in IBD patients in remission.
Furthermore, a chitosan product with anti-fungal properties is in the pre-clinical stage for assessing its efficacy in preventing recurrent vulvovaginal infections.
Leveraging science and healthcare expertise
With a wealth of experience in pharma, life sciences, and healthcare SMEs, BiOkuris’ CEO Francois Blondel expresses optimism for the startup’s future. He credits the team’s R&D expertise and the solid pipeline built around Kiotransine for the success of the company’s first product, Gastrap, which is already available in the market.
Chief Business Officer, Benoit Palms, highlights the versatility of Kiotransine and its potential for combining with other ingredients or probiotics to address unmet patient needs in chronic intestinal diseases. This flexibility offers opportunities for patentable customized products tailored to specific patient requirements.
Gastrap is currently sold in France and central eastern Europe, with plans to expand into additional markets across Europe and potentially Asia through strategic partnerships.
