FROM THE PETRI DISH TO PROBIOTHERAPY
Years of research and development conducted by a team at the University of Antwerp, led by microbiologist Dr. Sarah Lebeer and biotechnology engineer Ingmar Claes, laid the foundation for the creation of the YUN brand. With support from Prof. Filip Kiekens, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy at the University of Antwerp, and pharmacist Tim Henkens, innovative and sustainable skincare products were developed.
The search for practical applications of these scientific findings led the researchers to collaborate with pharmacist Tom Verlinden, who founded the biotechnology company YUN. Its mission is to provide wide access to effective and sustainable skincare solutions that help reduce the overuse of antibiotics and antifungal drugs.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that if we do not limit the excessive use of antibiotics, by 2050 more people will die from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and so-called hospital-acquired infections than from cancer. We can prevent this health crisis only through in-depth research on the microbiome and a shift in how we see bacteria, which are often unfairly perceived solely as a threat. We already know that microorganisms act as natural “medicine factories” and continuously support our health.
Instead of eliminating harmful bacteria with antibacterial agents, we propose a new approach — probiotherapy, which enriches the microbiome with beneficial bacteria. We were the first in the world to introduce live bacteria in creams and sprays, achieving clinically proven results. The project received support from the Agency for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (VLAIO, formerly IWT) and the Department of Economy, Science and Innovation of the Flanders region (EWI).
Today, we continue to collaborate with leading European experts in probiotherapy to develop effective and sustainable solutions for common skin concerns. In this way, we can protect, strengthen and regenerate your microbiome even more effectively.