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All killer, no filler: Probiotic activates NK cells to target immune ageing

Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Immunosenescence unpacked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Natural killer (NK) cells: Our first-line defenders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 SYNMUE: An effective ‘NK cell activator’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Unique clinical trial heralds clearer path to immune ageing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

SYNMUE: Ensuring brand relevance and consumer resilience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

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Clinically proven to support natural killer (NK) cells – the body’s front-line defence mechanisms – SYNMUE™ is a new probiotic ally in the fight against immunosenescence. Our immune system defends us from a variety of invaders – viruses, bacteria, and foreign bodies. And while it is widely acknowledged that the efficacy of our immune system declines with age, the biological starting point for such decline begins much sooner in life than many might expect. After adolescence, the thymus – ie, the organ that produces new immune cells – begins to shrink, in a process known as thymic involution.1 Going largely unnoticed at first, this gradual process of decline sits behind a more tangible inflection point that people associate with in their 30s, when slowdown in immune responsiveness first starts to be felt. Our biological reality is that immune system decline starts well before old age. In pursuit of healthy ageing, an individual must therefore take preventative steps earlier in life, as opposed to reacting later. “Immune ageing is not a switch that flips at 60; it is a gradual process shaped by age, stress, sleep, and lifestyle,” confirmed Hsiao Wen Huang PhD, senior technical support scientist at SynbioTech. “Consumers can act proactively from around 30, while targeted immune-resilience support becomes especially relevant from 50 onwards.” Certainly, the broader healthy ageing category continues to boom in line with demographic shifts: the over60s age group will nearly double from 2015 to 2050 to represent 22% of the global population and a 2.1-billionstrong cohort by the century’s mid-point.2 And by the late 2070s, adults aged 65+ will outnumber children aged under 18.3 This long-term trend is driving strengthened interest in preventative health,4 and the inevitable expansion of the healthy ageing market.5 Despite such momentum, few nutritional solutions have targeted the age-related decline in immune health (immunosenescence), which Dr Huang described as “a timely white space for forward-looking healthspan brands”. “While the category has matured around mobility, cognition, metabolism, and bone, the age-related decline of the immune system remains well-established yet commercially underserved,” she remarked. Enter SYNMUE, a clinically validated ingredient featuring Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP28) – a patented probiotic strain selected from Daxi dried tofu. Developed by biotics pioneer SynbioTech, SYNMUE targets immunosenescence by supporting NK cell activity – one of the body’s front-line defence mechanisms. SYNMUE’s launch forms part of a broader healthy ageing strategy for SynbioTech – a global biotechnology leader whose solutions are founded on over one quarter of a century of clinically validated microbiome science and integrated manufacturing expertise.

All killer, no filler: Probiotic activates NK cells to target immune ageing

Immunosenescence unpacked Age-related decline of the immune system (immunosenescence) – characterised by slower first response, more immune imbalance, and lower daily resistance – is one of the most overlooked pillars of healthy ageing today. SynbioTech’s microbiome expert described the central hallmark of immunosenescence as the gradual decline in natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxic activity – “the immune system’s front-line surveillance against infected and abnormal cells”. She further noted a growing body of research linking NK cell activity to healthy ageing and longevity, with preserved NK function recognised as a feature of successful ageing, and observed in centenarian studies.6 Conversely, the challenges posed by a slower, less co-ordinated, less resilient immune system are legion: increased susceptibility to infections, slower recovery, reduced physiological resilience, and an exacerbated risk of developing various diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disorders.7

Maintaining a responsive immune defence is therefore vital as an individual ages – and represents a clear opportunity for brands to support the broader cascade of benefits that come from addressing age-related decline through the lens of immunity.

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Natural killer (NK) cells: Our first-line defenders

The immune system’s first-line defenders, natural killer (NK) cells hold various major functions – from rapid response, to killing mechanism, and cytokine production.8

NK cell activity plays a key role in healthy immune ageing, including senescent cell clearance, the suppression of inflammaging, and the co-ordination of innate and adaptive immunity. It follows that NK cell activity is strongly associated with longevity. On the flip side, senescent cells are strongly associated with age-related decline. These cells stop multiplying but do not die off; instead, they remain and continue to release chemicals that can trigger inflammation.9 As we age, excessive accumulation of senescent cells can contribute to tissue dysfunction, organ ageing, and chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and cancer.10 In recognising and eliminating senescent cells, NK cell activity is a key factor in immune health. With advanced age, our immune system’s efficiency to dampen down excess inflammation reduces, which silently damages cells, contributing to age-related disease and functional decline. The capacity of NK cells to suppress persistent, low-level inflammation (inflammaging) is therefore significant in supporting immune health as we age.11 However, an under-recognised hallmark of immunosenescence is age-related NK cell dysfunction12 – characterised by reduced cytokine secretion and decreased target cell cytotoxicity.

All killer, no filler: Probiotic activates NK cells to target immune ageing

SYNMUE: An effective ‘NK cell activator’

SYNMUE marks a shift from generic immune support ingredients, towards a differentiated solution that awakens NK cells and ramps up first-line immune responsiveness.

The immune support market is awash with the interchangeable, abstract terms ‘defence’, ‘support’, and ‘boost’, making it difficult for consumers and brands to differentiate. SynbioTech developed SYNMUE to take “a sharper, more defensible position built around NK cells – the immune system’s front-line responders – and around immune ageing specifically, rather than general immunity,” according to Dr Huang. Imbued with the concept ‘Wake Your Natural Killer’, SYNMUE addresses a more fundamental question: When the immune system begins to age, can the body’s front-line Natural Killer cells still respond in time? “The concept ‘Wake Your Natural Killer’ reflects a real mechanistic distinction: after the age of about 30, the body’s defences do not disappear; NK cell activity simply slows down,” advised Dr Huang. “SYNMUE is therefore positioned not as an immune over-stimulator, but as a ‘coach’ that helps existing Natural Killer cells return to the front line,” she explained. SynbioTech’s unique clinical study gives brands a connected, immune-regulation-to-outcome story rather than a blunt ‘boost’ and serves to justify SYNMUE’s positioning as an effective NK cell activator.

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Unique clinical trial heralds clearer path to immune ageing SynbioTech’s study in older adults with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections demonstrates SYNMUE’s effect on NK cell cytotoxic activity, alongside supportive immune and clinical observations. SYNMUE’s clout in the immune ageing category is borne out by the results of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, the unique inclusion criteria of which elevate the study’s findings and serves as SYNMUE’s core competitive moat. Indeed, while most immune health ingredients rely on clinical data derived from young, healthy adults, such participants do not reflect true age-related decline. In contrast, SynbioTech’s soon-to-be-published 12-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled human study13 on SYNMUE/LP28 specifically selected participants aged 50 to 75 with a proven history of recurrent upper-respiratory infections (ie, at least two colds or instances of tonsillitis within the past year) – thus focusing on a clinically relevant population that reflects genuine age-related decline. The results for the supplemented individuals (10 billion CFU/day) were not only impressive but serve to present a coherent story of SYNMUE’s mechanistic action – from a rise in IL-12 (ie, the upstream signal that activates NK cells), and increased NK cell cytotoxic activity (ie, the hero finding and core proof point), through to a reduction in biomarker CRP (demonstrating SYNMUE’s systemic anti-inflammatory effect), and resulting in reduced cold occurrence (ie, the real-world outcome). “In the SYNMUE/LP28 group, serum IL-12 rose significantly. As one of the body’s key upstream signals for activating NK cells, this rise helps explain the accompanying increase in NK cell cytotoxic activity – up to 48% above baseline, and significantly higher than placebo by Week 6, with elevation sustained through Week 12. This is a meaningful onset within six weeks, measured as cytotoxic activity – the very parameter longevity research associates with healthy ageing,” Dr Huang observed.

Furthermore, literature databases including ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed show LP28 to be exceptionally rare amongst probiotic strains in being the focus of a double-blind, randomised control trial specifically completed within a tightly defined, vulnerable older demographic “experiencing real-world, symptomatic immune ageing”. This makes the science behind SYNMUE particularly valuable for formulators in the healthy ageing space.

“Participants taking LP28 also experienced roughly one-third fewer colds [a cold incidence rate of 34.78% for the LP28 group vs 52.00% for placebo after 12 weeks], while safety was confirmed across hepatic and renal markers,”14 she continued. “Together, this supports positioning SYNMUE as a clinically substantiated NK-cell ingredient purpose-built for immune ageing and healthy ageing.”

All killer, no filler: Probiotic activates NK cells to target immune ageing

SYNMUE: Ensuring brand relevance and consumer resilience Standing out in the immune ageing category requires a safe, clinically validated, and differentiated solution, but also alignment with evolving dietary requirements, emerging delivery formats, and applicability to multiple consumer touchpoints. SYNMUE meets all such criteria to provide daily resilience that transcends senior care. Positioned around immune ageing and long-term immune resilience, SYNMUE’s unique attributes are backed by both mechanistic and clinical evidence. However, the ingredient also offers numerous crucial advantages from both a formulation and application perspective. Produced from dried tofu originating from Daxi (often referred to as ‘Taiwan’s tofu capital’), SYNMUE boasts vegan, allergen-free, and clean label credentials, supported by an invention patent for reduced allergic reactions, alongside another pertaining to the unique encapsulation technology utilised in the application. Moreover, the ingredient’s origin in a high-salt environment (Daxi dried tofu is often marinated in brine) provides probiotic strain LP28 with salt tolerance, high activity, and high stability. Such properties unlock opportunities from an application perspective, facilitating incorporation of SYNMUE into various supplement and food formats. Indeed, with a storage and shelf-life of 24 months at -180C or below, LP28-supported application formats include powder, sachet, and capsule. One key advantage is SYNMUE’s potential to expand scope in the immune health market, given how its offer of daily resilience transcends the needs of consumers in the advanced aged bracket. “Although healthy ageing is the core positioning, SYNMUE’s ‘Wake Your Natural Killer’ platform can also appeal to broader 30+ lifestyle consumers, including high-stress professionals, frequent travellers, and families seeking daily immune readiness – giving brands one ingredient with several audiences,” advised Dr Huang. Underpinning the unique power of this probiotic is SynbioTech – a fully integrated microbiome CDMO, partnering with over 600 brands across 35 countries today. “Bringing an immune-ageing product to market takes more than a promising strain – it requires clinical proof, formulation knowhow, and manufacturing that can scale,” advised Dr Huang. “The real challenge for most brands is not the idea, but finding a single partner who can deliver all three together. That is where SynbioTech fits.” Emerging out of SynbioTech’s heritage of expertise, insight, infrastructure, and investment, SYNMUE shifts the narrative from the generic notion of immune support that currently saturates the global market, to instead deliver targeted activation of NK cells – our front-line defenders. In so doing, SYNMUE gives brands a clearer, more compelling immune ageing story to communicate to consumers – one that has strong resonance and delivers lasting resilience.

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References Thymic Involution - an overview, ScienceDirect: https:// www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-andmicrobiology/thymic-involution 2. Ageing and Health - fact sheet, WHO: https://www.who. int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health 3. Global Issues – Ageing, United Nations: https://www. un.org/en/global-issues/ageing 4. Health-Conscious Consumer Trends Drive CPG Market Innovation, August 2025, Mintel: https://www.mintel.com/ insights/consumer-research/health-conscious-consumertrends-drive-cpg-market-innovation/#consumer-healthmarket-size-how-large-is-the-preventive-health-caremarket-opportunity 5. Healthy Aging Supplement Market Size, Trends & Longevity Benefits (2024-2034), Future Market Insights: https:// www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/healthy-agingsupplement-market 6. Bellizzi D, et al. Human exceptional longevity: transcriptome from centenarians is distinct from septuagenarians and reveals a role of Bcl-xL in successful aging. Aging (Albany NY). 2016. DOI: 10.18632/ aging.101078 7. Lee KA, Flores RR, Jang IH, Saathoff A, Robbins PD. Immune Senescence, Immunosenescence and Aging. Front Aging. 2022 May 30;3:900028. doi: 10.3389/fragi.2022.900028. PMID: 35821850; PMCID: PMC9261375. 8. Björkström NK, Strunz B, Ljunggren HG. Natural killer cells in antiviral immunity. Nat Rev Immunol. 2022 Feb;22(2):112123. doi: 10.1038/s41577-021-00558-3. Epub 2021 Jun 11. PMID: 34117484; PMCID: PMC8194386. 9. Does cellular senescence hold secrets for healthier aging? National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/ does-cellular-senescence-hold-secrets-healthier-aging 10. Song, P.; An, J.; Zou, M.-H. Immune Clearance of Senescent Cells to Combat Ageing and Chronic Diseases. Cells 2020, 9, 671. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9030671. 11. Brauning A, Rae M, Zhu G, Fulton E, Admasu TD, Stolzing A, Sharma A. Aging of the Immune System: Focus on Natural Killer Cells Phenotype and Functions. Cells. 2022 Mar 17;11(6):1017. doi: 10.3390/cells11061017. PMID: 35326467; PMCID: PMC8947539. 12. Guo Z, Wu F, Chen Y, Xu J, Chen Z. Phenotypes, mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies of natural killer cell immunosenescence. Immune Ageing. 2025 Oct 21;22(1):38. doi: 10.1186/s12979-025-00534-8. PMID: 41121385; PMCID: PMC12538774. 13. Effects of LP28 on Immunity Enhancement in the Elderly. Conducted by Synbio Tech Inc. Clin-icalTrials.gov ID: NCT06724185; Data on file, 2026. 14. Liao, Y.-C.; Cheng, Y.-C.; Lee, C.-C.; Hsu, H.-Y.; Cheng, Y.-F.; Lin, S.-H.; Lin, J.-S.; Young, S.-L.; Watanabe, K. Assessment of the Safety and Potential Probiotic Properties of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP28 Based on Whole Genome Sequencing and Phenotypic and Oral Toxicity Analyses. Microorganisms 2026, 14, 843. https:// doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms14040843.

All killer, no filler: Probiotic activates NK cells to target immune ageing

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