Probiotic Culture Reducing Respiratory Symptom Duration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack effective solutions for reducing or preventing flu-like symptoms in children affected by respiratory tract infections, particularly during peak seasons, and often require antimicrobial administration, leading to economic and socio-economic burdens.

Innovation Solution

A culture comprising Lactobacillus acidophilus strain NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis strain Bi-07 is administered orally, either alone or in combination, to reduce or prevent flu-like symptoms in children aged 3 to 5 years, potentially reducing the need for antimicrobial treatments and absenteeism due to respiratory diseases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antimicrobial administration is used to treat respiratory tract infections, then the effectiveness of treatment is improved, but the economic and socio-economic burdens increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoideconomic burden
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The probiotic composition is administered before or at the early stages of respiratory tract infection to prevent or reduce the severity of symptoms, thereby reducing the need for subsequent antimicrobial treatments and associated economic burdens

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The probiotic composition acts as an intermediary substance that modulates the immune system's response to respiratory pathogens, providing protective effects without requiring antimicrobial intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If probiotic composition is administered to reduce flu-like symptoms, then the duration and frequency of symptoms are reduced, but the need for effective prevention methods highlights the lack of vaccines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduration of symptomsVSAvoidavailability of prevention methods
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The probiotic composition leverages the body's own immune system to provide protection against respiratory infections, using naturally occurring mechanisms rather than external vaccines or medications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2839836B2Probiotics for use in reducing symptoms of respiratory disease
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 INT N&H DENMARK APS
  • EP2839836B2 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present invention provides probiotic compositions suitable for reducing the incidence and duration of human illness. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions suitable for preventing disease in young children. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the present invention finds use in the prevention respiratory disease in children.