The Arm & Hammer brand of Church & Dwight has been granted a patent (US 12,318,417 B2) by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for its work on the use of Evolved Probiotics Limosilactobacillus reuteri and its role in promoting a healthy vaginal tract. 

This new patent covers the unique use of Evolved Probiotics L. reuteri 3613-1 for the reduction of certain pathogenic microorganisms (i.e., Escherichia coli, Gardnerella vaginalis, and a Candida species) in the urogenital tract.

The inventive use of this strain is set to enhance the women’s health dietary supplement category by providing a novel choice for women looking for a solution to UTI discomfort, the company said.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 50-60% of women experience urinary tract infections at least once in their lives, with 26% of the women having a recurrence within 6 months of treatment. The use of Evolved Probiotics 3613-1 was uniquely identified with women’s health in mind, providing more UTI symptom-free days. 

“With the focus on women’s health, the identification of a new method for the maintenance of a healthy vaginal tract is a welcome solution for the dietary supplement category,” said Amy Wescott, operations manager at Arm & Hammer Performance Products. “This patent is a testament to our commitment to scientific discovery and our dedication to advancing the probiotic industry.” 

Melissa Patasnick, director of performance products, added: “We are excited to introduce this ground-breaking new use of this strain to our dietary supplement customers, helping them uniquely position their women’s health products and accelerate their product development time.” 

Arm & Hammer Performance Products is part of Church & Dwight’s Specialty Products Division, the B2B engine behind its bicarbonate products.