Press release – BiOkuris Signs Exclusive Agreement with SPA Società Prodotti Antibiotici

March 18, 2025 – Liège, Belgium and Milan, Italy – BiOkuris, a leader in innovative gastrointestinal health solutions, is thrilled to announce an exclusive agreement with SPA Società Prodotti Antibiotici, S.p.A., a prominent player in the Italian healthcare market, for the distribution and commercialization of DisSenGas (BK001), a Class IIa Medical Device, for the symptomatic treatment of gas-related gastrointestinal disorders. This collaboration further underscores the significant value of BK001 and expands BiOkuris’ footprint into Italy, one of Europe’s largest and most dynamic markets for over-the-counter (OTC) healthcare products.

In Italy, the sales value of Digestive and Intestinal OTC market reached close to €550 million in 20231. It is expected that this market will steadily continue to grow over the years to come. This steady growth is driven by Italian consumers’ increasing preference for natural remedies for digestive issues, as well as their broader shift towards self-care. These favourable conditions make Italy a key market for innovative health solutions like BK001 and an important part of BiOkuris’ expansion strategy.

François Blondel, CEO and Chairman of BiOkuris, emphasized the importance of the partnership:

« This exclusive agreement with SPA highlights the growing recognition of BK001’s value as an effective solution for gastrointestinal health. Italy’s high demand for OTC products presents an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact on patients’ quality of life while reinforcing our leadership in the gastrointestinal health market. We are delighted to partner with SPA, whose strong expertise and market reach will help us achieve our ambitious goals in Italy. »

Stefano Lombardi, CEO of SPA, shared the importance of this collaboration: « Partnering with BiOkuris reflects our commitment to bringing innovative and highly effective healthcare solutions to the Italian market. DisSenGas’s proven clinical performance and rapid relief capabilities make it a perfect fit for the patient’s needs. We are confident this partnership will drive meaningful growth and elevate the standard of care for gastrointestinal health for patients across Italy. »

This agreement not only reinforces BiOkuris’ dedication to expanding its reach in Europe but also positions SPA as a key ally in delivering top-tier gastrointestinal solutions. With a shared vision and complementary strengths, this partnership aims to meet the evolving needs of patients while driving significant growth in the region.

About DisSengas (BK001)

BK001 is a medical device class IIa that is used for:

• The relief of gas-related symptoms such as a bloated feeling, flatulence and abdominal pain
• The regularization of intestinal transit and stool evacuation
• The normalization of the intestinal function

A clinical trial2 demonstrated that four weeks of daily treatment with BK001 is well-tolerated and delivers rapid relief. It effectively reduces abdominal pain, bloating, distension, and flatulence while improving stool consistency and alleviating defecatory disorders. Each sachet of BK001 contains 500 mg of fungal chitin-glucan combined with 250 mg of simethicone. About BiOkuris

BiOkuris is a biotech company specializing in innovative solutions for gastrointestinal health. With a strong focus on research and development, the company is dedicated to addressing unmet medical needs through cutting-edge products and therapies. Founded in 2021, BiOkuris has been investing in the development of combination products around the proprietary core technology chitin-glucan (CG) and chitosan. Both are biopolymers derived from the cell walls of Aspergillus niger with a strong potential to transform gastrointestinal healthcare. For more information about BiOkuris, please visit www.biokuris.com

 

About SPA, Società Prodotti Antibiotici

SPA is a family-owned company owned by Aliseé Matta, granddaughter of the founder, Rodolfo Ferrari. The company’s legacy is deeply rooted in a long-standing heritage of innovation and success. SPA made history by being one of the first company to produce and commercialize Penicillin in Italy during the immediate post-war period. This achievement was followed by the development of Lysozyme, thanks to a scientific collaboration with Sir Alexander Fleming. In the 60s, the company expanded its business into other therapeutic areas and currently the main areas are: osteoarticular/pain, cardiometabolic, oncology and nephrology. More recently, the company established an affiliate in Spain and Portugal. For more information, please visit www.spafarma.com