Maypro has announced a distribution partnership with Thankcome Biological Science and Technology Company to bring its proprietary strain of Akkermansia muciniphila to the North American market.

The resident gut microbe colonizes the intestinal mucosal layer, and interacts with immune cells via short-chain fatty acids to exert health benefits. It is clinically shown to support metabolic health, gut barrier integrity, and immune modulation.

 The strain is one of the first to be declared self-affirmed GRAS for both the live and inactive forms. It is clinically validated to:

• Support gut barrier integrity and intestinal function by promoting mucin turnover and short-chain fatty acid secretion
• Promote a balanced microbiome environment that favors a healthy weight
• Support metabolic health by promoting the secretion of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), the hormone that improves insulin response and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Akkermansia muciniphila may support immune health by helping to maintain gut barrier integrity, which is linked to improved immune regulation.

“Akkermansia muciniphila is one of the most highly regarded strains for metabolic health and has captured the attention of both scientists and consumers,” said Abhijit Natu, vice president of sales and marketing at Maypro. “AKK Probio represents the evolution of biotic supplementation, one that offers formulation flexibility with both the live and inactive forms, has clinically validated results, is self-affirmed GRAS, and shows strong safety data with no adverse effects. AKK Probio meets U.S. demand for weight management support through a natural, science-backed ingredient that can also complement pharmacological protocols such as GLP-1 agonists.”

“We evaluated over 200 [Akkermansia] strains, before selecting AKK Probio, said Matthew Ma, chief science officer at Thankcome. “We chose this strain for its superior stress resistance and colonization success, its stability and efficacy in both live and inactive forms, its ability to boost GLP-1 secretion for improved glucose-lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity, its favorable impact on gut barrier integrity, and a lack of adverse effects.”