Whanin Pharm announced on the 30th that it has acquired 2,454,000 shares (30% stake) of microbiome company Bifido, gaining management control through a stock purchase agreement with Amicogen.

Bifido, founded in 1999, specializes in probiotics and microbiome-based therapeutics, focusing on autoimmune disease treatments. It was the first microbiome company in South Korea to be listed on the KOSDAQ in 2018 under the tech-special listing system.

Bifido has also achieved U.S. FDA certification for new dietary ingredients (NDI) and GRAS status, becoming the first Korean company and the sixth globally to do so.

Bifido’s core businesses include the production and sale of probiotics health supplements and the development of microbiome-based biopharmaceuticals, with additional projects such as treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Whanin Pharm plans to utilize Bifido’s platform technologies, R&D capabilities, and pipeline to expand its business and strengthen its presence in the health functional food sector. A company representative stated, "Bifido's bifidobacteria and microbiome technologies hold competitive value in the healthcare market.

We aim to diversify our business using Bifido’s raw materials, research and development, and global certifications." They added that synergies with Whanin's health supplement distribution subsidiary AsYou could further enhance their business strategies.