A Study to Evaluate the Effect of Probiotic Supplement on Quality of Life

This study aims to evaluate the impact of a specific oral probiotic blend on the quality of life of adults with respiratory conditions.

An imbalance and reduction of microbial diversity in the lung microbiota may negatively impact an individual's general health and quality of life. Further, individuals with respiratory conditions may take medications that may alter gut microbiome, which can have a negative impact on outcomes and quality of life. Evidence has emerged that there are interactions between gut and lung microbiomes, demonstrating the opportunity of using oral probiotics to support a healthy gut and/or lung microbiome, and subsequently, the general health and quality of life in this population.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult participants who are 18-80 years of age (inclusive).
2. Have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and have been on a stable treatment regimen for ≥ 6 months at screening.
3. Have a body mass index between 18.0-34.9 kg/m2 (inclusive).
4. Have normal or acceptable to the investigator vital signs (blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate) and normal or acceptable to the investigator physical exam findings (if applicable) at screening.
5. Individuals of childbearing potential must agree to practice a medically acceptable form of birth control for a certain time frame prior to the first dose of study product and throughout the study, including:

   1. use for at least 3 months prior to the first dose of study product: hormonal contraceptives including oral contraceptives, hormone birth control patch (e.g., Ortho Evra), vaginal contraceptive ring (e.g., NuvaRing), injectable contraceptives (e.g., Depo-Provera, Lunelle), or hormone implant (e.g., Norplant System)
   2. use for at least 1 month prior to the first dose of study product: double-barrier method, intrauterine devices, or complete abstinence from sexual intercourse that can result in pregnancy
   3. vasectomy of partner at least 6 months prior to the first dose of study product Individuals with potential to impregnate others must agree to use condom or other medically acceptable methods to prevent pregnancy throughout the study. Complete abstinence from sexual intercourse that can result in pregnancy is also acceptable.
6. Agree to refrain from treatments listed in the protocol in the defined timeframe.
7. Willing and able to agree to the requirements and restrictions of this study, be willing to give voluntary consent, be able to understand and read the questionnaires, and carry out all study-related procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Participant has a history of heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure (i.e., ≥160 mmHg systolic or ≥100 mmHg diastolic), renal or hepatic impairment/disease, or uncontrolled diabetes (Type I or Type II) defined as not taking a stable dose of diabetes mellitus medication on the current regimen for a minimum of three months.
2. Participants on oxygen therapy.
3. Received a vaccine for COVID-19 in the 2 weeks prior to screening or during the study period, current COVID-19 infections, or currently have the post COVID-19 condition as defined by World Health Organization (WHO) (i.e., individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, usually 3 months from the onset of COVID-19 with symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis).
4. Participant has a history of unstable thyroid disease, immune disorders and/or immunocompromised (e.g. HIV/AIDS), a history of cancer (except localized skin cancer without metastases or in situ cervical cancer) within 5 years prior to screening visit.
5. Major surgery in 3 months prior to screening or planned major surgery during the course of the study.
6. Participant has consumed probiotic supplements and is unwilling to stop at least one week prior to screening and throughout the study. Supplemental probiotics may include standalone probiotic supplements, vitamins with probiotics, and any foods supplemented with probiotics.
7. Participant is currently being prescribed antibiotics or states that they have been prescribed antibiotics within the 3 months prior to screening.
8. Participant has consumed supplemental enzymes and are unwilling to stop at least one week prior to screening and throughout the study. Supplemental enzymes may include standalone enzyme supplements, probiotic supplements with enzymes, and any medications containing enzymes.
9. Participant has an abnormality or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract precluding swallowing (e.g. dysphagia) and digestion (e.g. known intestinal malabsorption, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pancreatitis).
10. Participants who are lactating, pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the study.
11. Have a known sensitivity, intolerability, or allergy to any of the study products or their excipients, or any of the rescue medications.
12. Receipt or use of an investigational product in another research study within 28 days prior to baseline visit.