What Vésale Pharma does

Vésale Pharma NV is a Belgian pharmaceutical company founded in 1996 in the Namur region, specializing in scientifically documented probiotic food supplements for digestive, pediatric, immunity and women's health. Its portfolio is built around Intelicaps®, a worldwide patented micro-encapsulation technology (filed 2012, with three US patents) that protects probiotic strains from humidity, heat, gastric acid and pancreatic juice while preserving metabolic activity through gastric passage. The product range spans the Bacilac digestive line (Forte, ORS, Infantis, Instant, Senior, Drops, Child), the Cibalax fiber-probiotic line (Adult and Kids), the immunity line (Bactimun, SuperbiotiX, Immubiotic Family), and the women's and pregnancy line (Vinalac, Vinalac Prenatal, Vinalac+DHA/EPA, VinaFolic, Bacilac Femina, Lactogyn, Lactogyn Bloom), with multiple galenic forms (capsules, sticks, chewables, drops, liquid).

The company monetizes through five distinct revenue streams: direct pharmacy and parapharmacy sales of its own branded supplements in Belux (transitioning to exclusive distribution via Medipartner from 2024); international sales through country-level distributors across Europe, the US, Asia and the Middle East, including major contracts such as an €8M+ China e-commerce deal in 2020 and a €4M Mexico agreement in 2019; bulk B2B probiotic strain sales via the partner company Superbiotics (launched 2023); private-label/contract manufacturing using Intelicaps technology for third-party brands; and Intelicaps technology licensing in China and the Middle East. The spin-out Vésale Bioscience (2018) extends the platform into bacteriophage therapy for antibiotic-resistant infections, supported by a €4.3M research grant in 2019. On 15 May 2025, Vésale Pharma was acquired 100% by Ceres Pharma NV, a Belgian pharmaceutical group active in Women's and Family Health.

Name

Vésale Pharma

Legal name

Vésale Pharma NV

Website

https://vesalepharma.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Acquired

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Vésale Pharma is a Belgian pharmaceutical company founded in 1996 that develops and markets scientifically documented probiotic food supplements for digestive, pediatric, immunity and women's health, built around its patented Intelicaps® micro-encapsulation technology. It serves consumers via Belux pharmacies and international distributors across Europe, the US, Asia and the Middle East, and was acquired by Ceres Pharma NV in May 2025.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Probiotic Food Supplements

NAICS

Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Food (Health) Supplement Retailers (456191)

SIC

Food And Kindred Products (2000), Miscellaneous Food Preparations & Kindred Products (2090)

akta.pro primary industry

Probiotics & Digestive Health Supplements (CRADAGAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Probiotics (Strains, Spore-Formers, Synbiotic Components) (AFAJAKAE), Probiotics (Human & Animal Strains, Spore-Formers, Synbiotic Bases) (AFAJAJAE)

Keywords

• Probiotic food supplements
• Micro-encapsulation technology
• Pharmaceutical contract manufacturing
• Women's health probiotics
• Private label probiotics

Headquarters

HQ city

Noville-sur-méhaigne

HQ country

Belgium

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Branded Supplement Sales (Belux): Direct-to-pharmacy sales of Vésale's own brands (Vinalac, Bacilac, Cibalax, Immubiotic, SuperbiotiX, KeraVit, etc.) through pharmacies, parapharmacies and online pharmacies in Belgium and Luxembourg; transitioning to exclusive distribution via Medipartner from 2024.
2. International Distribution Sales: Sales of finished probiotic products through a network of country-level distributors in Europe, the US, Asia and the Middle East; major contracts include an €8M+ e-commerce deal in China (2020) and €4M Mexican contract (2019).
3. Bulk Probiotic Strain Sales (Superbiotics): Launched in 2023, partner company Superbiotics sells probiotic strains in bulk to B2B clients, extending Vésale's reach into the bulk probiotic ingredient market.
4. Private Label / Contract Manufacturing: Vésale Pharma manufactures tailor-made probiotic formulations for third-party brands (Private Label service), leveraging its formulation agility and Intelicaps technology.
5. Technology Licensing (Intelicaps®): Worldwide patented Intelicaps® micro-encapsulation technology licensed and distributed in China and the Middle East.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion6 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Vésale Pharma develops, manufactures and markets live probiotic food supplements built on its patented Intelicaps® micro-encapsulation technology, selling branded ranges (Bacilac, Cibalax, Vinalac, Lactogyn, Bactimun, SuperbiotiX, Immubiotic Family, KeraVit) through Belux pharmacies and international distributors. It also offers Private Label/contract manufacturing for third-party brands, bulk probiotic strain sales through partner Superbiotics, and worldwide licensing of its Intelicaps® technology.

Product overview

Vésale Pharma is a Belgian (Namur-based) pharmaceutical company founded in 1996 and a pioneer in probiotics. Its offering is built around a single core proprietary technology, Intelicaps® — a patented worldwide micro-encapsulation process that protects probiotic strains from humidity, heat, gastric acid and pancreatic juice — which is then applied across multiple product ranges (Digestive, Kids, Immunity, Women, Pregnancy Vitamins, Cosmetic). The portfolio is organised as ranges/categories that group named sub-products: the Digestive Range includes Bacilac Forte, Bacilac ORS, Bacilac Infantis, Bacilac Instant, Bacilac Senior, Bacilac Drops, Bacilac Child, Cibalax and Cibalax Kids; the Immunity Range includes Immubiotic Family, Bactimun and SuperbiotiX; the Women/Pregnancy Range includes Vinalac, Vinalac Prenatal, Vinalac + DHA/EPA, VinaFolic by Vinalac, Bacilac Femina, Lactogyn and Lactogyn Bloom; and the Cosmetic Range includes KeraVit Ongles et Cheveux. A B2B partner company, Superbiotics, complements the offering by selling probiotic strains in bulk. In 2025, Vésale Pharma was acquired by Ceres Pharma NV.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Intelicaps® Patented worldwide micro-encapsulation technology that protects probiotic strains (Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria) from humidity, heat, gastric acid and pancreatic juice during gastric passage, considerably increasing viability and preserving functional capacity until the intestinal site. Licensed to third parties in China and the Middle East.
• Bacilac Forte Intelicaps-encapsulated probiotic capsule containing 3.3 billion freeze-dried L. rhamnosus, L. plantarum and B. lactis with Vitamin D3; indicated for irritable colon, prevention during travel to risk areas, antibiotic therapy and maintenance/restoration of intestinal flora in adults.
• Bacilac ORS Food for Special Medical Purposes (oral rehydration) with B. lactis 2.5 B CFU, L. rhamnosus 2.5 B CFU and ORS salts, based on Intelicaps technology; indicated for nutritional requirements and prevention of dehydration in cases of diarrhoea (10 sticks per pack).
• Bacilac Infantis Probiotic for infants (3.3 B CFU/stick, soluble stick form) combining 4 Bifidobacteria and L. rhamnosus; indicated for acute infectious diarrhoea, antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, prevention of nosocomial diarrhoea and baby colics.
• Bacilac Instant Orosoluble probiotic stick (vanilla flavour) with L. rhamnosus 5 B CFU for maintenance and restoration of intestinal flora; 16 sticks per pack, acute dose 2×1 stick/day, maintenance 1 stick/day.
• Bacilac Senior Probiotic for seniors with L. rhamnosus, L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. casei, B. lactis and FOS; indicated for antibiotic-associated diarrhoea and reduced risk of Clostridium difficile in community-dwelling elderly (2×1 capsule/day).
• Bacilac Drops Liquid probiotic drops for infants with L. rhamnosus 5 B CFU + Vitamin D3 5 µg per serving (10 drops); maintains and restores intestinal flora, prevents diarrhoea and relieves colics (10 ml bottle).
• Bacilac Child Belux-marketed children's probiotic stick with 3.3 billion freeze-dried Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis per stick; intestinal flora balance with treatment dose 2×1 stick/day and maintenance 1 stick/day.
• Bacilac Femina Oral food supplement with L. reuteri RC-14 and L. rhamnosus GR-1 (minimum 5 billion freeze-dried bacteria per capsule) to maintain balanced intimate flora in women from 3 years of age, including pregnant women; acute dose 2 capsules/day for 7 days, maintenance 1 capsule/day for 14 days.
• Cibalax Probiotic-fibre stick (Actilight FOS + B. lactis 5 B CFU) that naturally stimulates intestinal function and regular bowel movements; effective from first days of use, no weight gain, no habituation, neutral taste (12 sticks per pack).
• Cibalax Kids Fibre-rich stick with high concentration of Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 (2 billion CFU), Fructo-oligosaccharides (Actilight FOS, 5 g) and Psyllium fibres (Plantago Ovata); for chronic or occasional constipation in children from 1 year of age, raspberry flavour (30 sticks per pack).
• Immubiotic Family Chewable probiotic tablet for active immunity for the whole family, with strawberry flavour; contains L. Rhamnosus, L. Casei, L. Acidophilus, L. Johnsonii (1/3/5B CFU options) and Vitamin C. Innovative strain with documented long-term colonisation; 1 tablet/day for children from 3 years; 2 tablets/day for adults. Pack sizes 60 or 180 chewable tablets.
• Bactimun Immunity probiotic with the Lactobacillus johnsonii 456 strain (3B CFU) — a uniquely persistent strain with long-term colonisation up to 30 days after first intake. 1-week intake provides 4 to 8 weeks of immune protection (Davoren 2018). 14 capsules per pack.
• SuperbiotiX Triple-strain immunity booster combining L. rhamnosus VES001, L. johnsonii 456 and B. lactis VES002; 2-week intake provides 4 to 8 weeks of immune protection (Davoren 2018); L. rhamnosus GG increases IgA production by ~400% and B. lactis significantly improves immune function. 20 capsules per pack.
• Vinalac Perinatal vitamin and mineral supplementation for pregnant and breastfeeding women with good digestion; contributes to maintenance of the immune system and reduces atopic disorders in the newborn. Composition: L. rhamnosus HN001, 12 vitamins, 9 minerals, ginger and Quatrefolic. 30 tablets per pack.
• Vinalac Prenatal Prenatal supplement for women with desire of pregnancy; restores and prepares the maternal microbiome for pregnancy. Composition: L. acidophilus 3 B CFU, Folic Acid 400 µg (5MTHF Glucosamine Quatrefolic). Dosage: 1 tablet/day with a meal. 30 capsules per pack.
• Vinalac + DHA/EPA Food supplement rich in vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 (300 mg DHA / 63.8 mg EPA), containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN-001 and ginger root powder; indicated for pregnancy and breastfeeding (1 tablet + 1 softgel per day with a meal).
• VinaFolic by Vinalac Food supplement based on next-generation, 100% bioavailable folic acid (Quatrefolic, 5MTHF Glucosamine 400 µg) for women from the desire of pregnancy; reduces risk of congenital malformations (e.g. spina bifida), promotes fetal brain/spinal cord development, and improves fertility by regulating the menstrual cycle. 1 shot/day with a meal.
• Lactogyn Oral probiotic for prevention of gynecological infections; maintains and restores vaginal flora with 5.4 billion probiotics per capsule. Documented by a unique clinical trial showing fewer relapses and longer time before relapse. Composition: L. crispatus + L. brevis + L. acidophilus. Acute: 2 capsules/day for 7 days; maintenance: 1 capsule/day.
• Lactogyn Bloom Probiotic supplement for menopausal comfort; reduces menopausal symptoms and supports hormonal and emotional balance. Composition: L. crispatus + L. brevis + L. acidophilus 5.4 B CFU, 30 mg saffron extract, Vitamins B6, D, E.
• KeraVit Ongles et Cheveux Food supplement for nails and hair based on keratin-supporting nutrients (biotin, zinc, methionine, cysteine, cystine, spirulina, horsetail extract, selenium); nourishes hair and nails from within, supports hair growth, texture and prevents breakage. 1 capsule/day (hair shine and nail hardness) or 2 capsules/day (beauty, volume and shine).
• Superbiotics (bulk probiotic strains) Partner company (launched 2023) selling Vésale Pharma's probiotic strains in bulk to B2B customers, complementing the B2C branded offering using the same Intelicaps® micro-encapsulation technology.
• Private Label / Contract Manufacturing Service Vésale Pharma manufactures tailor-made probiotic formulations for third-party brands (Private Label service), leveraging its formulation agility and Intelicaps® micro-encapsulation technology across multiple galenic forms (capsules, sachets, oro-soluble powder, tablets, chewables, liquids).

Quantifiable outcome

• 1 week intake of Bactimun provides 4 to 8 weeks of immune protection (Davoren 2018)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core research partner, flagship belux partner, core partner company, research partner, core belux retail partners, strategic latam partner, flagship asia-pacific partner, flagship us research partner, flagship china partner, core innovation ecosystem, industrial deployment partner and quality certification body.

• Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) — Institut d'Immunologie Médicalecore research partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 November 2023Vésale Pharma presented a major breakthrough in immunity development in partnership with ULB's Institut d'Immunologie Médicale, announcing conclusive pre-clinical results at a press conference at Brussels South Charleroi BioPark.
• Medipartnerflagship belux partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 October 2023From 2024, Medipartner takes over exclusive distribution of Vésale Pharma products in Belgium and Luxembourg. Announced 8 October 2023 as a major restructuring of the Belux commercial division.
• Superbioticscore partner companyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Superbiotics is Vésale Pharma's partner company launched in 2023 to sell probiotic strains in bulk, extending Vésale's reach into the bulk probiotic ingredient market.
• CRA-W (Centre wallon de Recherches agronomiques)research partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Collaboration with CRA-W on the animal health (PorcBiota) innovation presented at the JRP (Journées de la Recherche Porcine) in January 2023.
• Belux online pharmacy partners (Medi-Market, Farmaline, Newpharma, Lloydspharma, Multipharma, BENU, Evoluphar, Santalis)core belux retail partnersChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 February 2022Pharmacy and parapharmacy partners that distribute Vésale Pharma products to consumers across Belgium and Luxembourg, both physical and online.
• Mexican distribution partnerstrategic latam partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 February 2019During the Belgian royal economic mission to Mexico in February 2019, Vésale Pharma signed a €4 million contract with a Mexican company.
• Indian distributor (exclusive distribution agreement)flagship asia-pacific partnerChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 November 2017During the Belgian royal state visit to India in November 2017, Vésale Pharma signed an exclusive distribution agreement in India and opened a New Delhi office (June 2017). A multi-million-euro contract followed.
• Texas A&M Universityflagship us research partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2017During the Walloon economic mission to Texas in October 2017, Vésale Pharma created a research subsidiary in Texas and engaged Texas A&M University in validating the Intelicaps process.
• Chinese distributor (Intelicaps licensing & commercialization)flagship china partnerOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2017Official launch of Vésale Pharma in China (July 2017), followed by an agreement to commercialize the women's range during the 2019 royal mission to China, and an €8M+ e-commerce contract in July 2020. Intelicaps technology is also distributed in China.
• Wagralim (food cluster)core innovation ecosystemStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Member of the Wagralim competitive cluster; participated in Wagralim-labelled projects including PorcBiota (animal health) and SuNup.
• Hedepharindustrial deployment partnerImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 June 2016According to L'Echo (04/06/2016), Vésale Pharma chose Hedephar for its industrial deployment.
• Ligue Scientifique Européenne des Probiotiques (ESLP)quality certification bodyOthers · 1 January 2011In November 2011, the European Scientific League of Probiotics awarded its ESLP quality label to multiple Vésale products (Bacilac Forte, Bacilac Infantis, Bacilac Instant, Bacilac Femina). Bacilac is the only probiotic to have obtained the ESLP label in all categories.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• BioGaia: Swedish probiotic company focused on clinically documented Lactobacillus reuteri strains for pediatric, digestive and women's health. Closely comparable in business model (proprietary strain IP + global distribution + B2B/licensing) and target segments (infants, digestive, women's) to Vésale Pharma.
• Probi AB: Swedish probiotic company with documented proprietary strains (e.g., L. plantarum DSM 9843) sold via B2B partnerships and Private Label across nutrition, gut and immune health. Closely comparable in B2B model and clinically documented strain strategy to Vésale.
• Winclove Probiotics: Dutch probiotic specialist offering proprietary multi-strain formulations through B2B and Private Label channels, with a focus on clinically validated strains. Comparable to Vésale in size, B2B/private label focus and strain-led positioning.
• Protexin (Probiotics International): UK-based manufacturer of probiotic supplements (Bio-Kult, Lepicol) sold through pharmacy and health-food channels. Comparable in product range, galenic variety and pharmacy-led distribution model to Vésale Pharma.

Broad incumbents

• Yakult Honsha: Global probiotic consumer brand built around the Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain. Comparable to Vésale in probiotic category and pharmacy/retail distribution, but vastly larger scale and consumer-marketing driven.
• Chr. Hansen (now Novonesis): Global leader in probiotic ingredients and cultures with extensive strain library and B2B/private label offering. Directly comparable to Vésale's Superbiotics bulk strain sales and Private Label contract manufacturing, though at vastly greater scale.
• Lallemand Health Solutions: Major probiotic ingredient supplier offering proprietary documented strains for the dietary supplement and functional food industry. Comparable in B2B strain sales and Private Label to Vésale, especially via the Superbiotics channel.
• Ceres Pharma NV: Belgian pharmaceutical company focused on Women's and Family Health that acquired 100% of Vésale Pharma in May 2025. Comparable as a Belgian pharma peer with overlapping Women's Health focus; relevant because the combined group defines Vésale's strategic direction going forward.
• Danone (Nutricia / Activia / Actimel): Global probiotic consumer brand portfolio (Activia, Actimel, Danio) plus the Nutricia medical-nutrition range. Comparable to Vésale in probiotic category and pharmacy/retail channel, but a vastly larger incumbent with mass-market positioning.

Emerging players

• Metagenics: Nutraceutical company offering practitioner-channel probiotics and supplements targeting digestive, immune and women's health. Comparable to Vésale in product positioning and clinical-claims approach, though distributed via practitioners rather than pharmacies.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

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Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Vésale Pharma