Probiotic strain combination supporting women’s gut and vaginal health now approved by Health Canada

COPENHAGEN, Denmark – August 13, 2025. Health Canada has officially approved the Product License Application for ASTARTE™, a clinically documented probiotic strain combination formulated by global biosolutions leader Novonesis. The probiotic strain is designed to support both gut and vaginal health in women.

This approval comes at a time of growing demand for microbiome-focused health solutions that are both natural and scientifically validated.

“We work hard to advance women’s health, and we know that women in Canada seek products that are not only natural and effective, but also backed by science and regulatory validation. The authorization of ASTARTE™ is therefore an important milestone because it gives women confidence that our solution meets the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficacy.”

says Linda Neckmar, Senior Vice President, Human Health Biosolutions.

The approved health claims include:

• Helps support intestinal/gastrointestinal health
• Source of probiotics
• Could promote a favorable gut flora
• Could promote a favorable vaginal flora
• Helps support vaginal health
• Helps support a healthy vaginal flora
• Helps support gastrointestinal and vaginal health
• Helps naturally maintain/promote feminine health
• Helps/supports gastrointestinal health

Clinically documented strains
The ASTARTE™ strain combination is formulated with four of the most prevalent Lactobacillus species, found in the vaginal microbiota of healthy pregnant women. Clinical studies have shown that supplementation with the ASTARTE™ strain combination is associated with improved vaginal comfort, increased lactobacilli abundance, and maintaining optimal yeast levels.¹

“ASTARTE™ is a targeted, effective solution for women’s health across all ages, and this authorization opens new opportunities for us to work with our partners to advance women’s health. We will build on this and continue our work to bring science-backed innovation to more people, in more markets, and with greater impact.”

says Anne Karina Riise, Commercial Industry Manager, Human Health Biosolutions.

The women’s health category is evolving quickly, and ASTARTE™ is well-positioned to lead the category. With this approval, Novonesis is expanding its ability to deliver meaningful, microbiome-based solutions that align with the needs of today’s health-conscious consumers. 
 

¹ Anoshina, T.M.. (2017). Role of microbiota correction in complex treatment of pregnant women with herpesvirus infection. PERINATOLOGIYA I PEDIATRIYA. 68. 22-25. 10.15574/PP.2016.68.22.