As World AMR Awareness Week 2024 comes to a close, BioGaia continues to highlight the important role of probiotics in combating antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance is among the most pressing global health threats today. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.3 million people die each year from infections caused by resistant bacteria. BioGaia has participated in World AMR Awareness Week, a WHO initiative, by educating and highlighting the important role probiotics can play in combating this growing threat. By strengthening gut flora and reducing the need for antibiotics, probiotics can slow the development of antibiotic resistance and safeguard future generations. This year’s AMR Awareness Week theme, “Educate. Advocate. Act Now,” aligns perfectly with BioGaia’s aim to raise awareness and drive change.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to withstand drugs that were once effective in eliminating them. A significant part of the problem stems from the global overuse of antibiotics, including their prescription for viral infections, where antibiotics are ineffective. Additionally, antibiotics impact both harmful and beneficial bacteria in the body, disrupting gut flora balance and creating opportunities for resistant bacteria to thrive.

“Probiotics, commonly known as ‘good bacteria,’ have been shown to strengthen the gut flora, and reduce the risk of infections. When the gut flora is balanced, we are better equipped to combat harmful bacteria without relying on antibiotics,” says Theresa Agnew, CEO of BioGaia. “Clinical studies show that probiotics not only reduce the need for antibiotic treatments but also help restore gut flora during antibiotic use, minimizing negative side effects.”

Research suggests that preventive use of probiotics can result in fewer sick days and less absenteeism from daycare, school, and work, providing societal and economic benefits. When used alongside antibiotics, probiotics have been shown to reduce side effects such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues, supporting faster recovery.

BioGaia is advocating for an increased focus on probiotics in the global fight against antibiotic resistance and proposes the following actions:

• Education for healthcare professionals on the preventive benefits of probiotics.
• Clearer recommendations for the use of probiotics during antibiotic treatments.
• Recognition and regulation of the term "probiotic" to enable informed consumer choices.

“Probiotics can play a key role in preserving the vital function of antibiotics in society,” says Agnew. “By promoting the use of probiotics both preventively and as a complement to antibiotic treatments, we can collectively slow the development of antibiotic resistance and protect future generations.”

About the World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW):
WAAW is a global campaign to raise awareness and understanding of AMR and promote best practices among One Health stakeholders to reduce the emergence and spread of drug-resistant infections. WAAW is celebrated from 18-24 November every year. Read more here.

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Contacts:
Mikaela Idermark Stern, Corporate Communications
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +46 730 95 61 50

About BioGaia
BioGaia is an innovative Swedish healthcare company that develops, markets, and sells probiotic products with documented health benefits. The products are sold through local distribution partners or via own distribution in over 100 markets. The class B share of the Parent Company BioGaia AB is quoted on the Mid Cap segment of Nasdaq Stockholm. biogaiagroup.com