Bio-Cat Patents Microbial Enzyme Blend for Pancreatic Insufficiency Patients

A microbial enzyme blend from Bio-Cat Inc. (Troy, VA) said to aid digestion in patients suffering from pancreatic insufficiency has been granted a U.S. patent (#8,071,089).

As the company describes, the enzyme blend, which includes a lipase enzyme, can help improve digestion for pancreatic insufficiency sufferers, including cystic fibrosis patients. According to company CEO Ed Schuler, “Digestion of foods in normal diets is a challenge for these types of patients due to many complicating factors associated with the disease. Our innovation is focused on providing a blend of enzymes that would help break down or digest materials normally found in everyday foods-namely, carbohydrates, lipids, and protein.”

Also, Schuler points out, because Bio-Cat’s enzyme blend is microbial based, patients now have an alternative to the animal-derived enzymes typically prescribed to address digestion issues. The company says it will conduct further clinical studies on the ingredient.

The patent is titled “Composition with fungal (yeast) lipase and method for treating lipid malabsorption in cystic fibrosis as well as people suffering from pancreatic lipase insufficiency.”