MERIT Health care Nigeria Ltd is set to launch into the Nigerian market Bioflor (Sacharomyces boulardi) – the first probiotic formulation with anti-diarrhoea activity. Manufactured in france by Biocodex, the drug is used in etiological and symptomatic treatment of diarrhoea, the world’s fifth biggest cause of death.

Former Minister of Health and Chairman, Juli Plc, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi is expected to chair the event taking place on Wednesday November 30 at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos. A paediatric gastroenterologist, Prof. Philip Oluleye Abiodun will present the guest lecture.

Probiotics are live micro- organisms which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.

In a chat, Managing Director,Merit Healthcare Ltd., Mr Lolu Ojo described the new formulation as a revolution in the industry, and part of the company’s contribution to growth and development of the pharmaceutical industry.  Ojo, who is also the National Chairman, Nigerian Association of Industrial Pharmacists, NAIP, said the introduction of the new drug was to cover the unmet needs of diarrhoea management even as the European Society for Paediatric gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition recommends use of probiotics for management of acute diarrhoea.