Spate of deals sees OptiBiotix prosper

The York-based firm said its most notable deals were with Holland and Barrett, Optipharm, and US partners starting retail opportunities in the UK, Australia, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

Total invoiced sales of probiotic LPLDL and SlimBiome were £742,000, representing a 398 per cent increase over the same period last year, as more agreements generate revenues and partners increase sales from successful product launches.

The firm said each division is making progress on the aim of becoming profitable this year.

It also received £747,500 of investment income from the disposal of shares in SkinBioTherapeutics, which is not included in the latest figures.

Sales of LPLDL rose 477 per cent. OptiBiotix said the probiotic is building an industry brand presence with a growing list of pharmaceutical partners which recognise the value of a natural product.

In addition to growing interest from pharmaceutical groups commercialising LPLDL as a supplement, it is being used in a wide range of other applications. These include dairy, anti-aging products, reducing blood pressure and vascular health.

Sales of SlimBiome rose 1,309 per cent. OptiBiotix said the weight loss ingredient is being used in everyday foods like muesli and porridge. It is also being used in healthy snacks like fruit and fibre gummies under the SnackSmart brand.

Stephen O’Hara, CEO of OptiBiotix, said: “The first six months of this year have seen strong commercial progress with a 398 per cent increase in revenue compared with the same period last year.

“There is now a trend showing an acceleration in year on year revenue growth as more agreements generate revenues, existing partners grow sales, and more retail partners launch products. We anticipate further revenue growth in 2020 as interest in the microbiome and products for health and wellbeing grows.

“Whilst uncertainty within the global economic environment will create challenges we believe our strategy of working with multiple partners, across different application areas and geographies within the healthcare sector, will limit the risk related to any individual deal, product, or geography.”