Biohm Technologies has launched its new fungal probiotic platform, Ascomya, debuting the system at this year's SupplySide Global show in Las Vegas last month.
The platform's first ingredient is PK88, a novel strain of Pichia kluyveri and the first commercially available ingredient in Biohm's growing fungal probiotic pipeline.
Historically, the wellness industry has overwhelmingly focused on bacteria — such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium — for use in probiotics.
Fungi have traditionally been treated as functional tools for fermentation rather than targeted health therapies, with the exception of S. boulardii, a tropical yeast strain isolated in 1923 and used to prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
Now, growing scientific interest in fungi and their role in the microbiome is creating new opportunities for ingredient innovation.
Research suggests that fungal components and beta-glucans can help nourish the gut's beneficial bacteria and promote short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, which supports the intestinal barrier.
Ascomya is Biohm's contribution to this emerging frontier, combining fungal microbiome expertise, advanced research capabilities and its proprietary Symbiont AI platform to identify and develop promising fungal strains.
"Ascomya represents an exciting new chapter for Biohm Technologies and for the brands we serve," said Sam Schatz, CEO of Biohm Technologies.
"We're bringing a new generation of fungal probiotics to market, starting with PK88 and giving our customers the opportunity to differentiate their products with ingredients backed by innovative science."
We see tremendous potential for this platform to shape the future of our business and expand what's possible in the probiotic category.
The platform's first ingredient, PK88, is a strain of Pichia kluyveri that the company says it selected for its distinctive functional characteristics and metabolic capabilities.
Preclinical research has demonstrated its ability to produce bioactive compounds, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), B vitamins and spermidine, along with promising antioxidant activity, including support for the glutathione pathway.
These findings, Biohm says, highlight the potential of fungal probiotics to support a broad range of health and wellness applications.
"For decades, microbiome research has focused primarily on bacteria, but fungi are an important part of this complex ecosystem," added Dr John Deaton, Vice President of Science and Technology at Biohm Technologies.
The diversity of fungal species and their ability to produce unique bioactive compounds create exciting opportunities for innovation.
"With Ascomya, we're applying that knowledge to expand the possibilities of probiotics and explore new approaches to supporting human health."
The Ascomya platform will serve as the foundation for continued development of fungal probiotic ingredients with distinct functional properties and applications, using Biohm's extensive proprietary microbiome dataset and ongoing research.
