MONTREAL, CANADA, January 16, 2008 – Technologie Biolactis Inc., a Canadian biotechnology company specializing in the development of lactoceuticals focused on cardiovascular, metabolic and obesity-associated disorders, is pleased to announce the filing of a new patent application protecting the recent discovery of an immune/metabolic pathway modulation.

A novel generation of bioactive ingredients called MPM (Malleable Protein Matrix), proprietary to Biolactis, demonstrated the capacity to modulate immune system functions by improving body defence and inducing anti-inflammatory systemic effects. The research was done through a five-year collaboration program with the “Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique - Institut Armand-Frappier” (Beaulieu et al, 2007 A and B, in Journal of Medicinal Food and Journal of Inflammation : see references in the complete version).

The mechanism of action of MPM involves a particular type of lymphocytes cells (Th17 cells) recently associated with the development and increase of auto-immune and inflammatory diseases (Murphy et al, 2003; Hashimoto et al, 2005; Matusevicius et al, 1999; Nakae et al, 2003). Ms. Josée Beaulieu, Ph.D. candidate and research scientist at Biolactis presented this important finding at "The First International Immunonutrition Workshop" in Valencia, Spain, last October (Beaulieu et al, 2007).

The modulation of the Th17 immune pathway regulates different metabolic processes. MPM would be responsible for decreasing the granulocyte-dependant response associated with obesity by lowering macrophage recruitment inside adipose tissues. They would also reduce production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, thus blocking negative interactions between adipose tissues and macrophages. Moreover, this process would prevent engaging the metabolic syndrome cascade responsible for the development of Type 2 diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia by inhibiting adipose tissues transformation (Tilg and Moschen, 2006).

Ms. Beaulieu explained that: "There is an important correlation between the immune system modulation and certain metabolic impacts such as body weight control, blood lipids, hypertension and diabetes management. Our results confirmed that the immune system’s modulation can help in restoring homeostasis of a body affected by the problems associated with obesity."

"This discovery opens the door to the development of innovative products in relation with inflammatory processes. Preventing T lymphocytes to differentiate themselves in Th17 cells has the consequence to strongly reduce or even stop the development of auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, intestinal inflammatory diseases (Crohn’s disease) and psoriasis" added Eric Trottier, Ph.D., R&D Director at Technologie Biolactis.

Furthermore, Mr. Marc Lalonde, Vice-President, Corporate Business Development at Biolactis mentioned: "In time, this new discovery will lead to the development of innovative and multiple value-added commercial applications indicated for individuals suffering from metabolic syndrome or immune functions deficiencies. As Biolactis is working with novel ingredients from natural source, we shall be able to market these products as functional foods or dietary supplements which will accelerate development and facilitate access to international markets.