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The 31st Annual National Gastroenterology Scientific Conference (2025), held in Ninh Binh from October 31 to November 1, brought together leading experts to discuss the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in Vietnam. This year, the conference focused on two major challenges: the increasing prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in younger populations, and the persistently high rate of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection accompanied by rising antibiotic resistance. A common thread connecting these conditions is the essential role of the gut microbiome, making probiotics one of the most prominent topics of discussion at the conference.

Multiple scientific presentations highlighted the rapid rise of IBS and IBD among younger individuals in Vietnam, underscoring the need for safe and long-term supportive therapies. According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Khanh Tuong, spore-forming Bacillus probiotics and beneficial yeasts show promising potential in reducing inflammation, modulating the gut–brain axis, and improving persistent digestive symptoms. Additionally, given Vietnam’s high HP infection rates and difficulties in managing reinfection, incorporating probiotics into treatment regimens is increasingly viewed by clinicians as a valuable adjunctive approach. However, despite abundant international evidence, Vietnam still lacks high-quality clinical studies conducted directly on the local population.

One of the highlights of the conference was the presentation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Van Khien, Vice President of VNAGE, titled “The role of probiotic in inflammatory bowel diseases: Overview and preliminary finding in Vietnam.” The report introduced a study conducted at Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy evaluating a multi-strain Bacillus formulation in the product LiveSpo Colon among IBD patients. The results demonstrated a favorable safety profile, with no serious adverse events recorded during the 30-day follow-up and no abnormalities in subclinical laboratory parameters. Clinical symptoms of IBD—including abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, mucus or bloody stools, fatigue, and weight loss—showed significant improvement at both day 7 and day 30 in the LiveSpo Colon group, with greater improvement compared to the control group. Colonoscopy findings after 30 days also revealed clearer mucosal recovery, suggesting the supportive therapeutic potential of the Bacillus formulation.

Against the backdrop of the challenges highlighted by leading experts, LiveSpo’s vision of “A future without antibiotics” was emphasized as a forward-looking strategy aligned with global trends. Investment in clinical research, the development of robust Bacillus spores, and a microbiome-centered approach reflect LiveSpo’s commitment to providing sustainable solutions for public health. This direction represents not only scientific advancement but also social responsibility in the face of the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.

Overall, this year’s conference reflected a clear shift in Vietnam’s gastroenterology field—from a purely drug-centered approach to strategies focused on microbiome modulation and personalized care. Probiotics, especially Bacillus-based formulations, are emerging as promising adjunctive options for various gastrointestinal disorders. However, for probiotics to be formally integrated into clinical practice in Vietnam, high-quality local studies remain essential. During this transition, the contributions of research institutions and pioneering companies, such as LiveSpo, play a significant role in generating evidence and drawing attention from clinicians and experts nationwide.

At the Pharmacity Annual Conference held in Ho Chi Minh City on November 14, 2025, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Van Anh – representative of the ANABIO R&D Spobiotic Research Center and scientific advisor to LiveSpo Pharma – delivered a presentation titled “LiveSpo Dia30 and LiveSpo Navax: Multi-strain Bacillus spore formulations supporting the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections and reducing antibiotic dependence.”

During the presentation, Dr. Van Anh provided an overview of the technology platform and key advantages of the products, as well as clinical evidence from collaborative studies conducted with the Vietnam National Children’s Hospital and Hanoi Medical University. These included clinical trials of LiveSpo Dia30 in children with prolonged diarrhea; LiveSpo Navax in children with RSV–bacterial coinfection pneumonia; and the preventive effects of LiveSpo Navax against respiratory infections in preschool children. The data were shared with more than 500 pharmacists across the Pharmacity system, equipping them with deeper clinical insights into the products.

In addition to demonstrating clear benefits in shortening treatment duration by 1–2 days and reducing antibiotic use by 15–25%, the presentation emphasized the mechanisms of action of these formulations—restoring microbiome balance in both the gut and the nasal cavity, and modulating intestinal and nasal inflammation by reducing excessive pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion while enhancing anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Alongside presentations from major industry partners such as Opella, AstraZeneca, Bayer, GSK, and Meripharmex on topics related to the research, production, and commercialization of gastrointestinal, respiratory, gynecological therapeutics and health supplements, Dr. Van Anh’s report highlighted an innovative approach: the use of LiveSpo Bacillus spore probiotics to rapidly improve symptoms, shorten treatment time, and reduce the need for antibiotics. This contribution underscores an important advancement in supporting digestive and respiratory health, particularly for children.

Recently, the Probiotic Spore Research Center – ANABIO R&D Co., Ltd. collaborated with Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital to conduct the study “Evaluation of the Supportive Efficacy of Bacillus Probiotic Spores (LiveSpo^® X-SECRET) in the Treatment of Vaginitis.” The study, led by MSc. Dr. Nguyen Canh Chuong – Director of the Training and Direction Center, Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, was highly evaluated and officially approved with an “Excellent” rating by the hospital’s review committee on April 26, 2025.
This collaboration marks an important milestone in the application of vaginal-spraying probiotics for supporting the treatment of gynecological diseases in general, offering a sustainable, safe solution while reducing the overuse of antibiotics and antifungal agents in vaginitis management.

This is the first study in the world to demonstrate the safety and outstanding efficacy of an intravaginal Bacillus spore probiotic spray in supporting the treatment and reduction of recurrent vaginitis symptoms in patients with bacterial vaginosis and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). After 28 days of LiveSpo^® X-SECRET use combined with standard treatment regimens, the data showed:

• A 5.7-fold reduction in symptoms of inflammation, itching, abnormal vaginal odor, and abnormal vaginal discharge compared to baseline. Notably, the improvement in itching was 3-fold higher, and the improvement in multi-symptom reduction (≥3 symptoms) was 6-fold higher compared to the control group (standard treatment combined with physiological saline spray), contributing to effective symptom control and reduction of recurrence after completing the 7–10 day course of antibiotics/antifungals.
• A 275-fold decrease in Gardnerella vaginalis load and a 2.1-fold increase in Lactobacillus relative abundance compared to the control group, supporting natural restoration of the vaginal microbiota following antibiotic/antifungal therapy.
• A 43–60% reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-8) and a 66% increase in vaginal IgA levels compared to the control group, strengthening the local immune barrier and reducing the risk of recurrence.

A key highlight of this study is that LiveSpo^® X-SECRET not only rapidly improved clinical symptoms but also helped reduce inflammatory markers and restore the vaginal microbiota, providing a robust foundation for natural and sustainable prevention of vaginitis recurrence. The study was highly evaluated by the review committee for its practical applicability and excellent safety profile. LiveSpo^® X-SECRET is potential as an effective supportive solution in gynecological care, contributing to a shift in the management of vaginitis and reducing dependence on antibiotics and antifungal medications

On the morning of February 10, 2025, the Spobio Research Center was honored to welcome Mrs. Isabelle Ducellier, the former CEO of Biogaia, for a visit and consultation regarding the potential development of probiotic products for the international market. This meeting provided a valuable opportunity to share ANABIO R&D’s research advancements and receive expert insights from a leading specialist in the field.

The 60-minute exchange left a profound impression on Mrs. Isabelle Ducellier, owing to the outstanding research conducted by the R&D laboratory. The collaborations with prestigious institutions, including the Central Pediatric Hospital, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, and the National Institute of Nutrition, have contributed to documenting the tangible benefits of probiotics in supporting the treatment of respiratory, digestive, and various other health conditions.

During the meeting, the research team presented their flagship probiotic products: PregMom, KID, Dia30, Colon, Clausy, Navax, and X-secret. These products have demonstrated exceptional efficacy in clinical trials and have been featured in renowned scientific journals such as Nature Scientific Reports and ASM. Notable findings include:

LiveSpo Navax effectively alleviates symptoms of ARTI caused by RSV while reducing viral load, offering a simple, cost-effective treatment approach for viral infections in general.

LiveSpo Colon significantly improves symptoms of chronic intestinal inflammation, including colitis, diarrhea, and constipation, while enhancing inflammatory markers and quality of life after 30 days of treatment. These improvements have been documented through comparative colonoscopy images from before and after product use.

LiveSpo Clausy regulates inflammation through the Th17 mechanism and has shown particularly promising results in reducing the duration of prolonged diarrhea in children aged 3-24 months. This contributes to reducing antibiotic use, protecting gut microbiota, and promoting healthier growth in children.

LiveSpo X-secret effectively alleviates symptoms of STDs, reduces pathogenic bacterial load, and improves the vaginal microbiota.

LiveSpo DIA30 has demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in treating prolonged diarrhea in children by reducing inflammation and improving gut microbiota without requiring antibiotics.

LiveSpo KIDS and LiveSpo PREG-MOM effectively alleviate constipation and malnutrition in children while strengthening immune systems and restoring gut microbiota.

Significantly, all ANABIO probiotic products have proven safe, with no reported side effects in clinical studies. This evidence demonstrates the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing antibiotic treatment duration, aligning with ANABIO R&D’s overarching goal: “For a future without antibiotics.”

In addition to the achievements, Mrs. Isabelle Ducellier was particularly impressed by the community-focused vision that ANABIO’s founder has instilled in every member of the research team. The unity, relentless creativity, and determination to overcome challenges in completing each study clearly reflect their shared goal: to benefit public health, with a particular focus on children’s health.

This meeting not only provided an opportunity for the Spobio Research Center to showcase its scientific accomplishments to an international expert but also served as a testament to ANABIO R&D’s commitment to LiveSpo Pharma’s vision: “For a future without antibiotics.”

Here are some pictures from the tour

The Spobiotic Research Center (Spobio Center), ANABIO R&D participated in the Dental Exhibition & Congress 2024 (VNU DEC 2024), held on November 22–23, 2024, at Vietnam National University, Hanoi. With the theme “Education and Practice in Odonto-Stomatology”,  VNU DEC 2024 brought together hundreds of leading dental experts from Vietnam and around the world. The conference was organized in collaboration with Operation Smile, US, to commemorate 35 years of its operations in Vietnam.

Representing the Spobio Center, three staff members, along with the LiveSpo Pharma, actively presented innovative probiotic spore products. Highlights included LiveSpo Navax – the world’s first respiratory probiotic – and LiveSpo^® Smile CARE – a pioneering probiotic solution for comprehensive oral care.

With Bacillus spores as its primary component, LiveSpo^® Smile CARE offers a holistic approach to oral health. The product not only cleanses the oral cavity, prevents cavities and gingivitis, and inhibits bacterial plaque formation – resulting in stronger teeth – but also helps balance the natural oral microbiome. This is recognized as a significant advancement, paving the way for modern dentistry without relying on antibiotics.

The LiveSpo Pharma booth at VNU DEC 2024 attracted considerable attention and received positive feedback from dental professionals. These responses not only reinforced the company’s pioneering position in applying probiotic spore technology but also underscored its commitment to improving community health, striving for “a future without antibiotics”.