Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH today announces the publication of the latest 
results from its norovirus research program in the Journal of Biotechnology. 
Breast-fed infants are less likely than bottle-fed infants to contract 
norovirus infections, and earlier work has indicated a link between this 
protective effect and human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). In our previous 
study, we found that the most abundant HMOs, namely 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) 
and 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL), can directly inhibit certain serotypes of 
norovirus by blocking interactions between the virus and its natural receptor. 
In this latest study, entitled "Biotechnologically produced fucosylated 
oligosaccharides inhibit the binding of human noroviruses to their natural 
receptors", we extended our work to include additional HMOs such as 
lacto-N-fucopenatose I and even more complex oligosaccharides. 

"With more than 600 million infections and 200 000 deaths per year and no 
treatment available, norovirus is definitely a global health problem, and a 
particular threat to infants, small children and the elderly," states Dr Stefan 
Jennewein, CEO of Jennewein Biotechnologie. "Our company has been working for 
many years on the development of HMOs and other complex carbohydrates that bind 
to norovirus and prevent infections." 

Dr Katja Parschat, Co-Head of R&D at Jennewein Biotechnologie, adds: "Complex 
oligosaccharides such as HMOs can mimic the structure of the virus's natural 
receptor on human cells, coating the virus and preventing it from interacting 
with its targets. We demonstrated this ability for 2'-FL and 3-FL in our 
previous study. But the development of more complex oligosaccharides, which 
mimic the virus receptors even more closely, allows us to significantly improve 
this protective effect."

About human milk oligosaccharides  

HMOs are complex sugar molecules that are only present in breast milk. 
Excluding water, they are the third most abundant constituent of human milk 
after fats and lactose. More than 200 structurally distinct HMOs have been 
identified. 

The most abundant HMO is 2'-FL, which is produced by about 80% of all lactating 
mothers and is present at concentrations of up to 3 g/L. HMOs, and 2'-FL in 
particular, have a positive impact on infant development by promoting the 
growth of beneficial microorganisms and inhibiting the growth of pathogens, 
directly and indirectly preventing colonisation. Jennewein Biotechnologie 
launched its 2'-FL product onto the global baby food market in 2015, and 
several infant milk formulas around the world now contain 2'-FL (e.g., Abbott 
Similac, Danone Aptamil ProFutura).

About Jennewein Biotechnologie

Jennewein Biotechnologie is a leading international industrial biotechnology 
company with a product range including complex oligosaccharides (HMOs) and rare 
monosaccharides. The company manufactures an extensive portfolio of innovative 
HMO products, such as 2'-FL, 3-FL, lacto-N-neotetraose and lacto-N-tetraose. 
These rare sugars are used in the food industry (particularly in infant milk 
formulas), the pharmaceutical industry, and the cosmetics industry. The 
manufacturing process involves state-of-the-art fermentation techniques. In 
2015, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Jennewein 
Biotechnologie a license to market 2'-FL in the USA. This was followed in 2017 
by European Union marketing authorisation under the Novel Food Regulation. 
Jennewein Biotechnologie was the very first who filed and obtained a novel food 
approval for a product origination from a recombinant bacterial process in the 
European Union.

For further information, please contact:
Dr. Bettina Gutierrez
bettina.gutierrez@jennewein-biotech.de
+49 2224 98810 797

www.jennewein-biotech.com 

Source: Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH