The human microbiome plays a critical role in women's health, with microbial communities influencing reproductive health, hormone regulation, and immune function. Studies show that dysbiosis in the vaginal microbiome is linked to a 2-4x increased risk of infections, while specific probiotic strains can restore beneficial Lactobacillus populations to >70% dominance within 2-4 weeks of supplementation.

The challenge lies in developing targeted probiotic interventions that can effectively colonize, persist, and modulate host-microbe interactions in female-specific anatomical environments.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including sustained-release probiotic formulations, synbiotic approaches combining lactobacilli with prebiotics, bacteriophage therapies targeting uropathogens, and microbiome modulation for reproductive health. These and other approaches focus on clinical validation and practical implementation across different women's health conditions.

1. Composition of Probiotics and Bacteriophages Targeting Uropathogenic and Vaginal Pathogens

Kira HALAK, DSM IP Assets B.V., 2023

Combination of probiotics and phages to treat and prevent recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) and vaginal infections in women without using antibiotics. The composition comprises a mixture of probiotic strains that inhibit vaginal pathogens like Candida and Gardnerella, along with phages that target uropathogenic E. coli strains responsible for UTIs.

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2. Collagen Scaffold Biocomposites with Entrapped Probiotics and Exopolysaccharides

Biosearch, S.A., 2023

Therapy for bacterial vaginosis using probiotic biocomposites that provide a new route of treatment to antibiotics for BV. The biocomposites are made of collagen scaffolds containing entrapped probiotic bacteria and their exopolysaccharides, which are stable and adhere to the vaginal mucosa. The probiotics restore the pH of compromised vaginal fluid to a healthy condition. The composite is prepared by incubating collagen with probiotics until the bacteria produce enough exopolysaccharide.

3. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium Strains Producing Short-Chain Fatty Acids for Microbiome Modulation

PROBIONOVA SA, 2024

Using specific bacterial strains belonging to the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera to treat urological disorders like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and gynecological disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. The bacterial strains are selected based on their ability to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyric acid. SCFAs have been linked to preventing chronic inflammation and promoting health in the gut and other organs. Administering these bacterial strains may help restore a healthy microbiome and reduce inflammation in urological and gynecological disorders.

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4. Compositions Containing Lactobacillus intestinalis Strain as Active Ingredient

KOREA FOOD RES INSTITUTE, KOREA FOOD RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 2024

Compositions for maintaining or improving female reproductive health using Lactobacillus intestinalis strain, its culture, concentrate, dried material or shredded material as an active ingredient. The compositions can be food, pharmaceuticals, health supplements, feed, or quasi-drugs. Administering Lactobacillus intestinalis to prevent or treat female genital diseases, or to improve vaginal health in menopausal women, has been found to alleviate symptoms like vaginal contractions, uterine contractions, keratinization, and epithelial thinning.

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5. Composition of Lactobacilli Strains with Specific Acid Production and Adherence Characteristics

CHENGDU BRILLIANT BIO PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, CHENGDU BRILLIANT BIO-PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, CHENGDU BRILLIANT PHARMACEUTICAL CO LTD, 2024

Composition containing specific strains of lactobacilli and lactobacilli for treating and preventing vaginal infections. The composition contains lactobacilli strains isolated from vaginal secretions of healthy women, along with lactobacilli. The strains are screened for characteristics like acid production, adherence to cells, and resistance to high lactobacilli concentrations. Administering this composition can improve vaginal health by restoring a balanced microbiome, inhibiting pathogens, and promoting lactic acid production.

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6. Composition Comprising Isoflavone-Converting Lactic Acid Bacteria and Prebiotic Substrate

CELL BIOTECH CO., LTD., 2023

A composition for preventing, relieving or treating climacteric symptoms that uses lactic acid bacteria and prebiotics. The composition comprises specific strains of lactic acid bacteria that can convert isoflavones into equol, along with prebiotic compounds like soybean germ extract that provide the necessary substrate. The probiotics promote equol production from the prebiotics, which has estrogenic effects that can help alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes.

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7. Vaginal Composition for Selective Nutrient Modulation with Iron Sequestration and Lactobacilli Support

Gary A. Gelbfish, 2023

Selective nutritional deprivation of vaginal nutrients to depress the growth of pathogenic bacteria associated with bacterial vaginosis. Vaginal compositions are used to sequester iron and selectively reduce growth of BV bacteria, while supplementing essential minerals and carbohydrates to encourage growth of beneficial lactobacilli. This targets the nutrient requirements of different bacteria to shift the vaginal microbiome towards a healthy state. Administering these compositions can treat BV and prevent recurrence by restoring the normal lactobacillus-dominated microbiome.

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8. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Strain with Broad Spectrum Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Properties

URIACH ITALY S.R.L., 2023

A strain of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus TOM 22.8 DSM 33500) that can effectively treat genitourinary infections and inflammations. The strain shows broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeasts commonly associated with genitourinary infections. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The strain can be formulated into oral or vaginal compositions for use in preventing and treating genitourinary dysbiosis, infections, and related disorders.

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9. Vaginal Tablet with Compressed Lactobacillus and Sustained-Release Mucoadhesive Excipient

NEXBIOME THERAPEUTICS, 2023

A vaginal tablet for treating and preventing vaginal infections like candidiasis. The tablet contains a compressed probiotic strain of Lactobacillus with an excipient that provides sustained-release and mucoadhesive properties. The tablet can be inserted in the vagina every few days to deliver the bacteria over time. The sustained-release allows the Lactobacillus to colonize the vaginal wall and prevent pathogenic overgrowth. It offers a convenient, effective, and potentially longer-lasting alternative to daily probiotic suppositories.

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10. Compositions and Methods Involving Bifidobacterium and Prebiotics for Modulating Breast Milk Component Levels

Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd., 2023

The invention is compositions and methods to enhance components of breast milk by administering Bifidobacterium bacteria. The compositions contain Bifidobacterium species and prebiotics like fructooligosaccharides. Administering these compositions to lactating mothers increases levels of beneficial milk components like Galectin-9 and CCL28 chemokine.

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11. Myo-Inositol Composition with Nutrient Additives for Maternal Health

SOCIETE DES PRODUITS NESTLE S.A., 2023

Composition for preventing post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) and linked conditions in women. It is a composition containing myo-inositol that can be administered to pregnant women to reduce the risk of PPH. The composition may also contain other nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin D, probiotics, and fatty acids.

12. Antimicrobial Composition with Copper Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, and Lactobacillus plantarum

MARVELBIOTICS LIMITED, 2023

Antimicrobial compositions for treating and preventing infections while promoting wound healing. The compositions contain copper gluconate, zinc gluconate, and Lactobacillus plantarum. The copper and zinc salts are effective antimicrobials, while Lactobacillus plantarum is a probiotic. The combination can eliminate pathogenic bacteria without harming beneficial ones. The composition can be used topically to treat infections such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

13. Lactobacillus salivarius CECT 5713 Administration for Modulating Growth Factor Levels in Female Reproductive Mucus

Biosearch, S.A., 2023

Using a specific strain of Lactobacillus salivarius (CECT 5713) for treating infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss by administering the strain to female subjects. The strain is effective at promoting pregnancy in women with unexplained infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. Monitoring the levels of growth factors like VEGF, TGF-beta1, and TGF-beta2 in vaginal/cervical mucus can indicate the effectiveness of the treatment. An increase in growth factor levels indicates treatment success while a decrease or lack of change indicates treatment failure.

14. Vaginal Microbiota Composition Comprising Specific Lactobacillus Species

FERRING B.V., 2023

Vaginal microbiota composition & methods for treating conditions like bacterial vaginosis. The compositions include a mixture of bacteria similar to a healthy vaginal microbiome. It has Lactobacillus species like crispatus, iners, gasseri, jensenii, rhamnosus, vaginalis, reuteri, acidophilus. Administering this vaginal microbiota composition can help restore normal microbiota diversity to treat infections.

15. Probiotic Composition Comprising Specific Strains of Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus Bacteria

HARBIN MEIHUA BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023

A probiotic composition for improving constipation in pregnant women. The composition contains specific strains of lactobacillus, streptococcus, bifidobacterium, and bacillus bacteria. It aims to alleviate constipation symptoms and restore intestinal flora balance during pregnancy by administering a combination of probiotics.

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16. Oral Supplement Composition with Probiotic Bacteria and Ferric Pyrophosphate

Societe des Produits Nestle S.A., 2023

Oral supplement containing a probiotic bacteria strain and ferric pyrophosphate iron source for pregnant and lactating women. The ferric pyrophosphate does not harm the probiotic viability. The composition helps prevent gestational diabetes while maintaining iron levels. The iron-fortified probiotic may be in emulsified or micronized form to further enhance bioavailability. The composition can also include other vitamins, minerals, and nutrients beneficial for pregnancy.

17. Lactobacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 Composition with Five Molecular Forms Exhibiting Distinct Antibacterial Activities

Ildong Bioscience, 2023

Lactobacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 lactic acid bacteria that can prevent, alleviate or treat vaginitis. The bacteria are present in a mixture of five forms with various components of each molecule having a common activity and each having a different antibacterial activity.

18. Lactobacillus reuteri Strain LM1071 with Modulated Inflammatory Mediator Production

LACTOMASON CO., LTD., 2023

A probiotic strain of Lactobacillus reuteri isolated from breast milk that can alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and relieve menstrual pain. The strain reduces pain-inducing substances like NO, PGE2, and leukotrienes, while increasing anti-inflammatory EETs and the PGE1/PGE2 ratio. The strain, identified as LM1071, can be used in foods and supplements to provide natural relief for PMS symptoms.

19. Probiotic Formulation Comprising Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 Derived from Human Breast Milk

ACEBIOME INC., 2023

A probiotic formulation containing Lactobacillus gasseri BNR17 from human breast milk for treating climacteric syndrome, such as osteoporosis, depression, pain, and vaginal dryness.

20. Probiotic Composition with Lactobacillus plantarum PBS067, Lactobacillus rhamnosus PBS070, and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis PBS075

Xinbalance Co., Ltd., SYNBALANCE SRL, 2023

Probiotic composition containing specific strains of lactobacillus and bifidobacterium for preventing and treating female genitourinary infections like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and urinary tract infections. The composition contains Lactobacillus plantarum (PBS067), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (PBS070), and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis (PBS075). These strains synergistically prevent and treat genitourinary infections when taken orally.

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21. Composition with Lactobacillus plantarum IDCC 3501 Featuring Variable Concentration for Vaginal Microflora Support

22. Bacteriocin Compositions with Selective Bactericidal Peptides Targeting Lactobacillus Iners

23. Composition Comprising Lactobacillus plantarum NK3 and Bifidobacterium longum NK49

24. Mineral, Fatty Acid, Probiotic, and Protein Composition with Specific Lactobacillus Strain

25. Composition Comprising Lactobacillus fermentum CECT-5716 and Nutrients for Mastitis Management

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