New Regulatory Approvals Support DAO Deficiency Solution Expansion
In February 2022, the active ingredient diamine oxidase – or DAO – produced by AB Biotek’s DR Healthcare division, as well as the solutions derived from it, have obtained the GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe, per sections 201(s) and 409 of the U.S. Food & Drug Act) qualification from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. This allows for the upcoming launch in the U.S. marketplace.
From the FDA regulations 21 CFR 170.3 and 21 CFR 170.30, the use of a food substance may be GRAS through scientific procedures and scientific evidence and is based on in published studies.
Additionally, at the same time, the Directorate-General for Hygiene, Food Safety & Nutrition in Rome, Italy, and the Ministry of Finance, Economy & Recovery in Paris, France, both approved the launch of DAO products in those two countries.
These three steps represent new support for continued international expansion of DR Healthcare’s solution portfolio targeting consumers with DAO deficiency.
DAO – an enzyme naturally secreted by the human body – is frequently used as a nutritional supplement to treat disorders from histamine accumulation including migraines, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), atopic skin or even attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Approximately 15 percent of the population suffers from a DAO deficiency, both genetic and acquired.
About DR Healthcare
Founded in Barcelona, Spain, in 2007, DR Healthcare is a biomedical company specialized in medical nutrition and dedicated to the research, development, innovation, marketing and licensing of new nutraceuticals, functional foods, active ingredients and customized solutions. Our medical nutrition products are aimed at dietary management of chronic diseases, physiological dysfunctions and/or metabolic diseases, mainly associated with metabolic disorders caused by a deficiency of the intestinal enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). DR Healthcare also produces DAO for both human and animal use and offers proprietary solutions for the food, veterinary and animal health industries. More information is available at www.dr-healthcare.com/en.
About AB Biotek
AB Biotek contributes to the success of customers through the delivery of customized fermentation-based, sustainable solutions containing proprietary and/or purposefully sourced microorganisms to created differentiated food, beverage, health & nutrition business opportunities. Science and advanced microorganism fermentation technology are core enablers. AB Biotek has commercial scale production and research development facilities located around the world. For more information about our product applications and unmatched technical service capabilities, please visit www.abbiotek.com.
Medical nutrition industry prepares for the first International Congress on DAO Deficiency – NutraSalud
Article published in NutraSalud magazine on November 2, 2021. Publication link
International experts on the various disorders caused by DAO deficiency, in fields as diverse as the digestive system, neurology, genetics, psychiatry, allergology and nutrition, will participate in the first International Congress on DAO Deficiency, organized by DR Healthcare.
DR Healthcare, a business unit of AB Biotek, part of the multinational Associated British Foods, presents the final program for the first International Congress on DAO Deficiency, which takes place on Thursday, November 4.
The conference, which will be broadcast virtually from 10:00 am to 6:45 pm, will feature medical and scientific experts to discuss the most important advances in the treatment of diamine oxidase deficiency (DAO), a disorder that affects people with migraines, fibromyalgia, intestinal problems, skin problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), among other pathologies.
DAO is an intestinal enzyme naturally secreted by the human body, although it can also be consumed as a nutritional supplement to treat its deficiency, which often leads to histamine disorders, a problem faced by millions of people worldwide.
The inaugural session will be given by Dr. Mª Carmen Vidal-Carou, Professor of Nutrition and Bromatology and Director of the Food and Nutrition Campus of the University of Barcelona, who will speak about histamine intolerance.
Experts in fields as diverse as the digestive system, neurology, genetics, psychiatry, allergology and nutrition, all of them related to DAO deficiency and its disorders, will participate in the conference, such as Dr. Oriol Comas-Basté, Dr. Walburga Dieterich, Dr. Eva Ruiz Casares, Dr. Hilario Blasco-Fontecilla, and Dr. Joan Izquierdo, among others.
“We are immersed in finding new ways to offer a better quality of life to all those with DAO deficiency,” said Juanjo Duelo, founder of DR Healthcare. “The future is promising, and bringing together leading medical experts and pioneering scientists in this unique meeting to share and exchange information and data will help us to join collective efforts to advance for the benefit of patients.”
“We want to promote awareness of DAO deficiency with an extensive program that includes presentations of scientific studies from specialists worldwide,” mentions Carlos de Lecea, physician and global portfolio manager of AB Biotek’s Human Nutrition and Health division. “The collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of DAO deficiency will contribute to a paradigm shift in this field, whose relevance is growing every day due to the increase in the number of patients.
The event, supported by the International DAO Deficiency Society, will also feature a 3D virtual exhibition section and the opportunity for interaction between registered guests, participants and speakers.
AB Mauri set to lead first-ever virtual congress into DAO enzyme deficiency
Article published in bakeryandsnacks.com the 29-oct-2021, by Gill Hyslop. Publication link
The business unit of AB Biotek – which is part of the global yeast and bakery ingredients specialist – is hosting the first International Congress of DAO Deficiency online on 4 November.
International Congress of DAO Deficiency 2021
You are invited to map a new future in managing DAO Deficiency attending the International Congress on DAO Deficiency.
SAVE THE DATE: November 4th 2021
At DR HEALTHCARE, we are pioneers in DAO Deficiency. Since our beginnings, scientific evidence and research have driven each one of our steps. The time has come to share this knowledge with the scientific and medical community, nutrition specialists, and patients who suffer from this metabolic deficiency’s different recurring symptoms.
Together, we can go farther.
Which is why we are delighted to invite you to the International Congress of DAO Deficiency, to be held 4 November 2021, in virtual format.
Our end goal:
is to reinforce knowledge of DAO Deficiency through a complete programme of scientific sessions, with experts of worldwide renown. With a forward-looking approach, we will address both diagnosis and treatment, as well as how knowledge of DAO Deficiency has led to a paradigm shift in the field of medical nutrition.
The event will be held entirely online:
as required by this exceptional situation caused by the pandemic. However, this way we will also be able to make our shared knowledge and experiences available to professionals all around the world, saving on costs and travel, and reducing our ecological footprint.
Technology will make it possible:
for guests to attend all conferences through an immersive, comprehensive experience. In addition to the extensive medical and scientific programme, the exhibition with 3D stands, and online interaction with guests, congress participants and speakers will provide a one-of-a-kind stage with services just like at a face-to-face event. All in real time.
We eagerly await you.
Warm regards,
Gerald Dard Juanjo Duelo
Managing Director ABBiotek Global Business Development Director Enzymes
AB Biotek Acquires Spanish Biomedical DR Healthcare
Respective leaders in fermentation science and DAO-based medical nutrition join together to focus on innovative enzyme-based solutions for the human nutrition & health market.
PETERBOROUGH, U.K. 26 may 2021 – AB Biotek, a global business division of Associated British Foods plc – today announces that it has acquired DR Healthcare, a biomedical company focused on the dietary management of chronic diseases based in Barcelona, Spain.
This acquisition enables AB Biotek to boost its growing portfolio of differentiated microbiome modulating solutions for human nutrition and health. The acquisition adds diamine oxidase (DAO), an important intestinal enzyme, that will expand AB Biotek’s already strong commercial portfolio of probiotic yeast strains.
DAO, naturally secreted by the human body, is widely known as a critical enzyme at the core of reducing symptoms of many of today’s ailments, including migraine, food intolerances and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, prevalent in millions of people around the world.
Juanjo Duelo, the founder of DR Healthcare, will remain with the business.
“With the acquisition of DR Healthcare, we now have the next stepping stone in shaping our science-based organization to serve the fast-growing human nutrition and health space,” said Gerald Dard, global managing director, AB Biotek. “DR Healthcare has a strong track record in this area, and we welcome our new colleagues who are equally passionate about the health and wellness of today’s consumers.”
“I am very excited about this new chapter as our companies have many shared values, from advanced health solutions and deep science to an extreme passion for what we do,” said Juanjo Duelo. “The future is bright under the good ownership of AB Biotek, and the timing is perfect to bring new, innovative technologies to improve the wellbeing of those people who suffer from various pathologies associated with the deficiency of DAO.”
About AB Biotek
AB Biotek contributes to the success of customers through the delivery of customized fermentation-based, sustainable solutions containing proprietary and/or purposefully sourced microorganisms to created differentiated food, beverage, health & nutrition business opportunities. Science and advanced microorganism fermentation technology are core enablers. AB Biotek has commercial scale production and research development facilities located around the world. For more information about our product applications and unmatched technical service capabilities, please visit www.abbiotek.com.
About DR Healthcare
Founded in Barcelona, Spain, in 2007, DR Healthcare is a biomedical company specialized in medical nutrition and dedicated to the research, development, innovation, marketing and licensing of new nutraceuticals, functional foods, active ingredients and customized solutions. Our medical nutrition products are aimed at dietary management of chronic diseases, physiological dysfunctions and/or metabolic diseases, mainly associated with metabolic disorders caused by a deficiency of the intestinal enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO). DR Healthcare produces DAO for both human and animal use and offers proprietary solutions for the food, pharmaceutical, veterinary and animal health industries. More information is available at www.dr-healthcare.com/en.
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Migraine, itching, stomach pain… This is how DAO deficiency affects you – SABER VIVIR tve
On October 23rd the magazine SABER VIVIR tve published an article about the DAO deficiency, its causes and management called “Migraine, itching, stomach pain… This is how DAO deficiency affects you”.
It is signed by the journalist specialized in health Eva Mimbrero and has the advice of the allergist Dr. Pedro Ojeda, co-director of the clinic Ojeda of Asthma and Allergy and a member of the International Society of Deficit of DAO.
To access the original article click here clic here.
What is histamine?
The article begins by explaining what the histamine molecule is, what its sources are in the organism (since it is produced and stored in certain cells, and can also be acquired through food in the case of a deficit of DAO) and what physiological functions it performs, among which are the secretion of gastric juices, processes of the immune system, neurotransmission in the nervous system, among others.
Which systems are affected?
After introducing the role of histamine in the body, the deficit of DAO and its symptoms are discussed. This consists of an alteration in the metabolism of histamine that comes from food, this alteration being caused by the deficit of the enzyme Diamino Oxidase.
Among its symptoms at the neurological level is migraine (87% of people who suffer from migraine have a deficit of DAO, according to a clinical study conducted in Spain), at the skin level itching, redness, emergence of beans, hives and angioedema, at intestinal level gastric pain, cramps, gas or diarrhea, at gynecological level menstrual pain, at cardiac level palpitations, arrhythmias or tachycardias, and at respiratory level rhinitis and the feeling that it is difficult to breathe.
Which are the causes?
Before going on to talk about methods for the dietary management of the symptoms of DAO deficiency, it is emphasized that DAO deficiency is not an allergic response but that its effects and control are more prolonged over time, being more durable and less instantaneous processes.
Finally, the article identifies the main causes of DAO deficiency, among which are the genetic alteration in the individual’s DAO enzyme, certain inflammatory intestinal disorders that alter the intestinal mucosa where DAO is produced (such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis), the consumption of certain drugs that inhibit the enzyme, or the consumption of alcoholic beverages, since alcohol also acts as a potent inhibitor of the enzyme.
How to handle it?
Once these causes have been identified, it ends up talking about the management of the symptoms, in which its three fundamental pillars are the diagnosis of the specific cause in each patient, avoiding the consumption of alcohol and certain foods rich in histamine, as well as keeping a medical control of the drugs that are consumed, and finally following a dietary supplementation of diamond oxidase.
To access the original article click here clic here.
DAO deficiency and the COVID-19 pandemic
We live in a time of real uncertainty with the worldwide spread of COVID-19 and anxiety levels are high. It is important to remain calm, listen and apply the advice of the Health Authority.
Considering that the activities of DR Healthcare are focused on the study of histamine, DAO deficiency and histamine intolerance, it is worth mentioning recent publications that support the fact that mast cell activation and histamine release can contribute to the inflammation associated with SARS COV-2 infection (new strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19) .
Coronavirus infection (regardless of the various types of coronavirus) is primarily attacked by immune cells, including mast cells (MC), which are found in the submucosa of the respiratory tract and in the nasal cavity, representing a protective barrier against microorganisms. Viruses activate mast cells that release early inflammatory chemical compounds such as histamine and protease (1). In people with DAO deficiency who, due to this condition, have high levels of circulating histamine, a greater histamine accumulation caused by the aforementioned virus-activated mastocytosis, may aggravate the inflammatory process generated by the infection.
Under normal conditions, when histamine levels rise above a certain threshold, the enzymes responsible for its metabolism, specifically DAO (Diamino Oxidase) and, to a lesser extent, histamine N-methyl transferase (HNMT), rapidly degrade the excess this amine. However, when the degradation rate is insufficient to cope with the excess, the total level of histamine in the body rises. At a certain critical level, signs and symptoms occur as a result of histamine coupling to its receptors in specific cells.
Histamine is a mediator that intervenes in the inflammation of the immune system by activating intracellular pathways that induce the production of cytokines in the lungs. Cytokines are signaling proteins that regulate interactions of cells of the immune system, thus producing an amplification of inflammatory reactions.
Based on the aforementioned studies and the pathophysiology of the disease, it is important to maximize the basic recommendations to protect against COVID-19, avoiding an accumulation of histamine in people with DAO deficiency and / or mastocytosis. Since inflammation is a concern in the severity of the disease caused by SARS COV-2, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of foods high in histamine in the diet and take supplements that allow maintaining a balance between endogenous and exogenous histamine, avoiding an excess of histamine in the body, and therefore reducing the mast cell / histamine load.
Thus, in addition to the basic general guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the entire population, there are a number of added recommendations to consider in people with DAO deficiency and / or intolerance to histamine:
-Avoid eating foods with a high concentration of histamine or other biogenic amines that compete for the DAO enzyme. These include, for example, raw, pasteurized milk and dairy products; citrus, strawberries and banana; seafood, blue fish and fish sauces; the raw sausage, such as sausage, chorizo or bacon; some vegetables, such as tomato, spinach or eggplant, as well as alcoholic beverages.
-Oral supply of DAO enzyme to prevent systemic absorption of exogenous or dietary histamine. This facilitates the metabolism of food histamine locally in the small intestine, restoring the natural balance of histamine and DAO.
–DAOfood® Plus contains the DAO enzyme that complements the body’s own enzyme and increases the degradation capacity of exogenous histamine. It also contains Quercetin that acts as an adjuvant against endogenous histamine. Its intake prevents the absorption and accumulation of circulating histamine and therefore counteracts the release of endogenous histamine as a reaction of the body when it comes into contact with the virus.
It is important to note that because SARS COV-2 is classified as a new strain of coronavirus, there is limited scientific evidence available on its precise mode of action and infection. Therefore, what is indicated in this article is based on what we know so far and on the importance of protecting against the virus, while maintaining control of mastocytosis and DAO deficiency.
The DR Healthcare team is at your entire disposal in case of concern about the implications of COVID-19 in people with DAO deficiency.
References:
1.- Kritas, S. K., Ronconi, G., Caraffa, A., Gallenga, C. E., Ross, R., & Conti, P. (2020). Mast cells contribute to coronavirus-induced inflammation: new anti-inflammatory strategy. Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents, 34(1), 10.23812/20-Editorial-Kritas.
Safety and business continuity protocol of DR Healthcare – covid-19
Given the difficult scenario that we are facing caused by the Coronavirus pandemic in general and after the State of Alarm decreed by the Spanish government in particular, DR Healthcare has implemented a safety and business continuity protocol that guarantees the provision of our services, the supply of the active ingredient, and, safeguard the health of all our collaborators and customers.
In this sense, we want to indicate that:
• The staff in the areas of administration, customer service and patient care operate in telework mode to meet themobility and contact requirements, guaranteeing the maintenance of their normal operation and service.
• Laboratory and R&D personnel who cannot carry out their activity remotely, following the security protocol, have established rotating work shifts to avoid human contact.
• The staff of the enzyme production plant has also implemented an intensive schedule protocol with rotating shifts that prevents human contact andensures non-interruption of the DAO enzyme production process.
Likewise, our suppliers and logistics network have adapted their processes to the current situation, ensuringthe safety and continuity of the supply chain of both the active ingredient and finished products up to the final customer, whether national or international.
We thus contribute to the containment of the disease and comply with the measures required by the competent authorities, guaranteeing our best service.
The DR Healthcare team is at your disposal for any additional information you may require.
Sincerely,
CEO DR Healthcare
Migraine and DAO deficiency – el farmacéutico.es
You can download the supplement in pdf clicking in the image below or through here. (LANGUAGE: SPANISH)
el farmacéutico.es publishes its supplement nº 585 entitled “Migraine and DAO deficiency (Diamine Oxidase)”.
In this publication the scientific and clinical bases of migraine caused by DAO deficiency are exposed and the diagnostic methods and forms of migraine management caused by this metabolic alteration are shown. Products that can be found in pharmacies for the management and diagnosis of migraine caused by DAO deficiency are also shown.
The supplement has been prepared by the PhD. Medical Writer Antoni X. Torres-Collado and Eva Morán-Salvador, edited by MAYO editions and published on March 2 – 2020.
Contents of supplement nº585 “Migraine and DAO deficiency (Diamine Oxidase)”:
- What is migraine?
1. Classification
2. Symptomatology and diagnosis
3. Management and treatment of migraine - What happens in migraine?
1. Phases of the migraine crisis
2. Phystopathological mechanisms
3. What is histamine? - What is Diamino Oxidase?
- DAO and migraine deficit
1. pregnancy and migraine
2. associated symptoms (migraine comorbidity)
3. Diagnosis
4. Management of Migraine due to DAO deficiency - How to manage migraine due to DAO deficiency from the pharmacy?
1. DAO supplementation in the patient with migraine: food for special medical uses - Bibliography
Dosfarma – Do you know the difference between DAOfood and Migrasin?
Publication of the article “Do you know the difference between DAOfood and Migrasin? In the blog about health and wellness tips, novel and natural beauty treatments dosfarma.com. Language: Spanish.
This paper informatively discusses the role of food histamine and the enzyme diamino oxidase (DAO) in DAO deficiency and its associated pathologies. It also shows us how the DR Healthcare company is one of the pioneer companies in the investigation of this widespread metabolic disorder and informs us of the composition and indications of its DAOfood and Migrasin products. So, if you don’t know the differences between DAOfood and Migrasin, this article will show you what to take in each moment properly.
DAOfood is indicated for the treatment and prevention of gastrointestinal, cutaneous and muscular disorders and pathologies. Being its main component the enzyme diamino oxidase (DAO).
Migrasin, containing DAO enzyme, group B vitamins (B6, B9 and B12) and caffeine, is indicated for the treatment and prevention of migraine and muscle headaches.
To access the article in dosfarma.com click here.