BioMérieux has launched Gene-Up Probiotic Species ID, a commercial DNA test that verifies dietary supplement label claims in under 90 minutes. The system aims to replace slower, costlier third-party workflows for species-level identification.
The test lets internal quality teams and outside labs identify specific probiotic species in their own facilities. It was developed with Now, a supplement brand with more than 50 years of product testing experience.
Now previously relied on third-party reference laboratories for multi-strain species identification on mixed formulations. “Waiting weeks for compendial-based species identification created bottlenecks across our operations, from delayed production release to increased holding costs and unnecessary product risk,” said Maria Mendres, microbiology manager at Now. “Our partnership with BioMérieux to develop Gene-Up Probiotic Species ID gives us, as well as the industry at large, the ability to generate accurate, on-site species-level results in 90 minutes or less.”
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Why species identification has been a bottleneck
According to BioMérieux, demonstrating probiotic efficacy requires reliable species-level identification. Many existing quality control methods are costly, complex, or slow. That puts an operational strain on quality teams and limits routine testing.
Gene-Up Probiotic Species ID accurately identifies 18 of the most commonly used probiotic species across capsules and powders in 90 minutes or less. The company stresses that these pressures are driving demand for faster, more practical testing solutions that support quality, transparency, and consistency without compromising scientific robustness.
Third-party laboratories adopt the test
In addition to manufacturers, the test has been adopted by third‑party reference laboratories seeking to broaden their probiotic testing capabilities. Because the assays offer a rapid and standardized approach to bacterial species identification, they serve as a complementary option to sequencing for routine testing and high‑throughput screening.
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The solution is designed for laboratory workflows and supports timely label verification. BioMérieux says this helps laboratories manage increasing sample volumes, while reserving sequencing resources for more complex analytical needs.
Market pressures and consumer scrutiny
“Probiotic manufacturers are handling a rapidly evolving setting where ensuring reliable species verification is becoming essential, not only for quality control, but also for minimizing operational risk, supporting accurate label claims, and maintaining market access in a highly competitive category,” says Alejo Migones, SVP of Global Food Safety & Quality at BioMérieux.
BioMérieux operates in 46 countries and serves more than 160 countries with the support of a large network of distributors. The company offers diagnostic solutions that determine the source of disease and contamination in supply chains.
