Seed Health, a leader in microbiome science, has launched VS-01™, a groundbreaking vaginal synbiotic designed to redefine vaginal health care. The product, based on the pioneering research of Dr. Jacques Ravel, is the first of its kind to be clinically validated for establishing an optimal vaginal microbiome, dominated by Lactobacillus crispatus, within one menstrual cycle.
Pioneering vaginal health innovation
The vaginal microbiome is crucial for gynecological, urogenital, and reproductive health. Disruptions due to factors such as stress, sex, menstruation, and diet can lead to a depletion of L. crispatus, the bacteria most protective of vaginal health. Dr. Ravel’s research, which indicates that 90% of women lack a stable microbiome dominated by L. crispatus, has driven the development of VS-01™.
VS-01™ is formulated with three proprietary strains of L. crispatus, selected from over 600 candidate probiotic strains for their efficacy in maintaining a regulated pH and promoting vaginal health. This synbiotic is a significant advancement, offering a new paradigm in vaginal care.
Clinical validation and efficacy
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, VS-01™ established an optimal vaginal microbiome in 90% of participants within 21 days. The trial highlighted the non-efficacy of oral probiotics for vaginal health, emphasizing that the VS-01™ suppository tablet rapidly increased the abundance of L. crispatus in the vaginal environment.
Seed Health’s proprietary SMART Tablet™ technology provides an extended-release profile, ensuring superior efficacy compared to fast-release capsules and placebo. The product is well-tolerated and maintains vaginal pH, demonstrating its safety and non-disruptive nature.
Ara Katz, co-founder and co-CEO of Seed Health, expressed the significance of this launch: “The vaginal microbiome is the next frontier in women’s health, and VS-01™ embodies its vast potential—an entirely new paradigm of care that empowers greater agency over our bodies.”
Comprehensive safety and accessibility
VS-01™ sets new standards for safety in vaginal health products. It undergoes rigorous testing for over 500 contaminants, including allergens and heavy metals, and is formulated without artificial additives or common endocrine disruptors. The product is also vegan, cruelty-free, and HSA/FSA eligible, with discounted rates for healthcare workers, students, and military veterans.
Future directions and implications
Beyond consumer applications, Seed Health is collaborating with Dr. Ravel to develop live biotherapeutics targeting the vaginal microbiome for unmet needs in urogenital and reproductive health through LUCA Biologics.
About Seed Health and Dr. Jacques Ravel
Seed Health is dedicated to translating microbiome science into impactful health innovations. Dr. Jacques Ravel, a renowned microbiome scientist, has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of the vaginal microbiome. His extensive research and numerous publications underscore the critical role of L. crispatus in maintaining vaginal health.
In conclusion, the launch of VS-01™ by Seed Health represents a monumental step forward in women’s health, offering a scientifically validated solution to a prevalent yet often overlooked issue. This innovation has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for millions of women, addressing the root causes of vaginal discomfort rather than merely treating the symptoms.
