The human gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, and our understanding of their health impact has soared over the past two decades. Among these microorganisms, Akkermansia muciniphila stands out for its critical role in supporting host well-being, particularly in the management of metabolic conditions. Pendulum Therapeutics, driven by a commitment to innovation and advancing next-generation probiotic strains, developed a specialized oxygen-free facility to produce live Akkermansia muciniphila, a commensal anaerobic microbe that is challenging to cultivate. (1) This has enabled Pendulum to offer the unique health benefits of this powerful strain.
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In partnership with Fullscript, Pendulum Therapeutics is elevating the field of probiotic research by prioritizing clinically studied, evidence-based strains. This collaboration aims to set new standards, providing healthcare providers with research-driven insights to support whole person care and improve patient outcomes.
Introduction to Akkermansia muciniphila
Among the diverse organisms in our gut microbiome, Akkermansia muciniphila has gained significant attention for its complex relationship with its human host and its strong link to overall health. Since its identification in 2004, Akkermansia muciniphila has been extensively studied and recognized as a critical contributor to a balanced microbiome and human well-being. With the rise in microbiome research, Akkermansia muciniphila has drawn significant attention for its broad range of benefits. (16) It actively engages with its host, stimulating immune and metabolic responses, enhancing mucus production, and supporting the integrity of the gut barrier.
This gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium from the Verrucomicrobia phylum typically constitutes around 0–4% of a healthy microbiome. (6) It begins colonizing the intestinal tract early in life, within the first year, with levels remaining stable before gradually declining with age. The prevalence of Akkermansia muciniphila varies based on factors such as age, geographic location, diet, and overall health. This bacterium thrives in the mucosal layer of the gut, playing a crucial role in preserving the integrity of the gut barrier. By consuming mucin, a protective glycoprotein secreted by goblet cells within the intestinal lining, Akkermansia muciniphila helps regenerate new mucin production, strengthening the epithelial barrier and promoting a balanced and resilient microbiome. (1)
Health benefits of Akkermansia muciniphila
Akkermansia muciniphila is essential for overall health, as it helps maintain a balanced gut environment with benefits extending beyond digestion. (6) As a mucin-degrading bacterium, Akkermansia muciniphila strengthens the gut barrier by stimulating mucus production, which helps prevent harmful substances, such as bacterial toxins and inflammatory cytokines, from entering systemic circulation and triggering inflammation and immune responses. (14) Akkermansia muciniphila further supports a balanced microbiome by producing antimicrobial peptides that keep harmful pathogens in check, which is vital for gut immunity. (12)
Akkermansia muciniphila plays a pivotal role in promoting metabolic health, regulating body weight, and reducing inflammation. (3)(14) Research consistently links higher levels of this bacterium to improved metabolic outcomes, including a lower risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. (11)(15) In contrast, diminished levels of Akkermansia muciniphila are associated with insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and neurological disorders. (7)(16)
Akkermansia muciniphila promotes host health through several key bioactive compounds and mechanisms, including the production of the immunostimulatory protein known as Amuc_1100, which activates Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), triggering the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines that enhance immune function and strengthen the integrity of the gut barrier. (18) Additionally, Akkermansia muciniphila produces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, while also supporting the growth of other beneficial butyrate-producing bacteria. (9)(16) Butyrate, the primary fuel for colonocytes, not only supports mucin production to strengthen the gut barrier but also helps manage gut-related conditions, such as metabolic endotoxemia, which is strongly linked to metabolic dysfunction. (8) Another important protein produced by Akkermansia muciniphila, called P9, binds to receptors on intestinal L cells, triggering the release of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone crucial for regulating blood sugar and appetite. (4) Collectively, these mechanisms demonstrate the multifaceted and essential roles of Akkermansia muciniphila in supporting host health.
Emerging evidence suggests that Akkermansia muciniphila may also offer therapeutic benefits for inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and obesity, and may even have applications in dermatology and immune-related conditions. (5)(10)(13) Interestingly, higher Akkermansia muciniphila levels have been observed in centenarians, suggesting a connection between this bacterium and increased longevity. (17) This expanding body of research highlights Akkermansia muciniphila as a potent probiotic with diverse health benefits.
A groundbreaking partnership for clinical research
Pendulum Therapeutics, an innovator in live Akkermansia muciniphila probiotics, has partnered with Fullscript to deliver evidence-based insights to healthcare providers. This collaboration aims to equip professionals with unmatched tools to support patient health with precision and scientific rigor. Together, a groundbreaking study was launched to examine how healthcare providers incorporate live Akkermansia muciniphila (500 million AFU) into clinical practice and its effects on patient health. By surveying Fullscript providers who recommended Akkermansia muciniphila, they collected valuable real-world data on patient outcomes. The survey results emphasized the positive effects of Akkermansia muciniphila on health, confirming its significance as a valuable probiotic for clinical application.
Survey results from 82 Fullscript providers underscored the positive impact of Akkermansia 500 million AFU:
- 98% of providers plan to continue recommending Akkermansia muciniphila 500 million AFU
- 89% reported patient improvements in overall health
- 89% noted improvements in digestive health
- 84% observed better bowel health
- 79% saw enhanced quality of life
- 68% reported metabolic health improvements
- 99% found that Akkermansia muciniphila 500 million AFU was well-tolerated
- 94% would recommend Akkermansia muciniphila 500 million AFU to other providers
The partnership between Pendulum and Fullscript showcases a shared commitment to advancing ingredient efficacy through clinical research and collaboration. Together, they are setting a high standard for whole person care, gathering valuable insights to better understand the evolving needs of healthcare providers and patients. By driving a future where ingredients, like Akkermansia muciniphila, are as effective as they are well-researched, Pendulum and Fullscript are helping to elevate the standards of health and wellness for all.
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