Hecto Healthcare releases research findings on a probiotic ingredient for body fat reduction

[Financial News] Hecto Healthcare has released research findings on its probiotic ingredient 'HH202-LB,' which has been recognized for its potential to help reduce body fat. A body fat management product using the ingredient is scheduled to launch in the first half of next year.
Hecto Healthcare said on the 2nd that it had presented the development process and research findings for HH202-LB at the 2026 International Conference of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition, held at the Jeju International Convention Center from October 28 to 30.
Sanghun Kim, an executive director at Hecto Healthcare's Microbiome Research Institute, presented on changes in the body fat management landscape amid the growing use of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) class obesity treatments at a session titled 'Gut Microbiota-Based Metabolic Regulation.' He introduced directions for research and development of functional ingredients such as probiotics, as the importance of everyday body fat management alongside drug treatment continues to grow.
HH202-LB is an individually approved ingredient that this year received recognition from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety for the functionality 'may help reduce body fat.' It combines Raktikaseibasileoseu parakasei BEPC22 and Raktippeullantibasileoseu peullantarum BELP53, strains derived from the intestines of healthy people.
In a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial involving overweight adults, body fat mass in the test group decreased by about 1.92 kg. Statistically significant differences from the placebo group were also confirmed in key indicators, including body fat percentage and visceral fat area.
Hecto Healthcare has registered two South Korean patents related to the ingredient's strains, composition and uses, and published the research findings in an international academic journal. It plans to launch a lactic acid bacteria product for body fat management using HH202-LB in the first half of next year.
Meanwhile, products related to the oral probiotic 'Dr. Breath' and the vaginal-derived probiotic 'Inner Biome' were also showcased at the conference's exhibition booth.

[email protected] Jung Sang-hee Reporter