What sets SF68® apart is its resistance to gastric acidity, rapid metabolic activation in the upper intestine and an impressive replication rate of about 19 minutes.
It produces L-form lactic acid and bacteriocin-like substances with antimicrobial activity against enteric pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp.
Additionally, SF68® modulates both innate and adaptive immune responses and promotes the growth of beneficial flora.
Compared with other widely used probiotic strains, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Saccharomyces boulardii, SF68® offers superior metabolic versatility, stable colonisation and clinically tested efficacy (validated by a Cochrane meta-analysis).
These features make it a pioneering probiotic that’s particularly effective when it comes to restoring intestinal homeostasis in cases of dysbiosis, acute infectious diarrhoea and antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances.
Its robust scientific foundation (20 clinical trials) has enabled Cerbios-Pharma SA to achieve pharmaceutical registrations in Switzerland, Austria and South Korea to treat the above-mentioned pathologies and help more than 100 million patients worldwide.
The microbiota as a therapeutic target
In recent years, the intestinal microbiota has emerged as a “functional organ” because of its influence on numerous systemic physiological processes.
Beyond GI health, its composition and metabolic activity affect distant organs through complex signalling pathways.
One example is the gut-skin axis, which is implicated in the pathogenesis of acne via immune-inflammatory mechanisms and microbial metabolites that disrupt skin barrier function and sebum regulation.
It has been demonstrated by various studies that the microbiota plays a pivotal role in lipid and glucose metabolism.
Certain species, including E. lactis, modulate cholesterol absorption and insulin sensitivity, factors that are closely connected to obesity and cardiovascular disease.
All these pathologies are often associated with a dysbiotic state. These insights reinforce the concept of the microbiota as a central hub in the communication network between the gut and peripheral organs.
This presents new therapeutic options via targeted modulation, particularly with well-characterised probiotics such as SF68®.
A new era for SF68®
Cerbios-Pharma SA has developed SF68®-based finished products that manage specific conditions by modulating the microbiota.
The strategy involves the use of SF68® as a core element of multicomponent formulations that have been enriched with functional ingredients to achieve synergistic effects using multiple mechanisms of action.
This approach also supports clear product positionings.
Skin health: a formulation developed with an Italian dermatologist aims to improve skin diseases such as acne and seborrheic dermatitis.
Tested in mild to moderate cases and/or during the summer months, when conventional treatments are often contraindicated, it has demonstrated efficacy in terms of reducing papules, pustules and sebum production.
Cardiometabolic health: launched in early 2025, this formulation combines SF68® with phytosterols and 5-MTHF (biologically active folate).
In vitro and in vivo studies have shown a significant effect of SF68® on various metabolic parameters; a clinical study has confirmed its ability to reduce body weight, fat mass, cholesterol and triglycerides, while also rebalancing basal inflammation, gut barrier and microbiota composition.
IBS formulations: preclinical studies have shown that SF68® improves various IBS-related metabolic parameters. This new product combines SF68® with butyrate to prevent and manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — a condition still lacking a fully effective treatment.
A clinical trial based on promising preclinical data is scheduled for late 2025.
SF68® stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation, offering scientifically grounded solutions to modern health challenges.
Its evolving applications reflect a growing understanding of the microbiota’s systemic function: as research advances, SF68® will play a significant role in probiotic therapies for multiple areas.