With a first product launch scheduled for 2009, Nestlé Nutrition has entered an agreement with BioGaia, Stockholm, Sweden, to include the company’s patented probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri in formula products for the global marketplace.

BioGaia’s probiotic is currently used in formulas within some European and Asian countries, but the new agreement with Nestlé will cover the world markets, excluding Japan and Korea. The company already has an agreement with Nestlé Nutrition in the area of healthcare nutrition.

“The agreement is further proof that major organizations appreciate the value of our products, particularly in the area of child health,” said Peter Rothschild, president BioGaia AB. “These products are based on many years of research proving good clinical results. The safety demands are naturally very high for this type of product. Our safety data has been a strong factor in facilitating the agreement with Nestlé.”

“We look forward to a long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation with Nestlé in children’s probiotics and expect volumes to grow and become a significant part of BioGaia’s future business,” he added.

Part of the Nestlé group—a leading nutrition, health and wellness company—Nestlé Nutrition focuses on innovative science-driven solutions tailored for people with extreme nutritional needs. The Nestlé Nutrition brand portfolio covers infant nutrition, healthcare nutrition, performance nutrition and weight management.