By Fineline Cube 
Eisai (TYO: 4523) China, operating through its subsidiary Eisai (Liaoning) Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., announced a strategic partnership with i‑Health, the nutrition and health innovation arm of DSM‑Firmenich. The deal grants Eisai the exclusive rights to import, market, and sell Lactéol, a fast‑acting oral suspension of Lactobacillus LB Powder, across mainland China.
Product Overview
- Lactéol is marketed as a natural, fast‑acting solution for diarrhea, particularly effective when used alongside antibiotics.
- The oral powder formulation dissolves in water, enabling easy administration to adults, infants, and children.
- It targets diarrhea caused by intestinal flora imbalance, addressing a common and often complex clinical scenario in China’s diverse patient population.
Partnership Details
- Eisai China will assume full responsibility for import logistics, sales, and marketing of Lactéol in the region.
- The collaboration leverages DSM‑Firmenich’s global supply chain and i‑Health’s expertise in nutrition‑based therapeutics, while capitalizing on Eisai’s established distribution network in China.
- The agreement is expected to accelerate the product’s market entry, filling a critical niche in outpatient and inpatient diarrhea management.
Market Implications
China’s market for probiotic‑based therapeutics is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8–10% over the next five years. By securing an exclusive partnership with a globally recognized brand, Eisai China positions itself to capture a share of the diarrhea treatment segment, bolstering its portfolio in the rapidly expanding antibiotic‑adjunct therapy space.-Fineline Info & Tech