On Tuesday, hy announced that its proprietary probiotic strain HY7017 has been recognized by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as an individually approved functional ingredient that may enhance immune function.
This designation is granted only to ingredients with proven efficacy and safety, and it guarantees exclusive use rights for a specified period. With this latest certification, hy now boasts nine individually approved ingredients in its portfolio.
HY7017 is derived from a bacterial strain discovered in ginseng roots. Its development required an investment of over 8.25 million USD over five years. Among approved ingredients in Korea, HY7017 stands out as the sole high-grade probiotic recognized for potential immune-boosting properties. Its scientific backing, based on naturally sourced strains, further distinguishes it in the market.
Researchers at hy validated the strain’s functionality through both animal studies and human clinical trials. In a study involving adults with slightly compromised immune systems, participants taking HY7017 exhibited a 5.0% increase in Natural Killer Cell activity. The study also noted increases in two cytokines crucial for immune response regulation: IFN-γ and IL-12. This concurrent improvement across multiple key immune markers sets this research apart from previous studies in the field.
hy has already incorporated HY7017 into its M-Pro Immune product line, which is currently in production and available for purchase. The company plans to expand the strain’s applications across a broader range of products.
Dr. Lee Jae Hwan, Director of hy’s Central Research Institute, emphasized the significance of demonstrating probiotics’ immune-enhancing capabilities.
He said that, as Korea’s leading probiotic company, the firm is committed to developing high-performance strains and products that respond to consumers’ evolving health needs.