Lactin-V is a probiotic supplement developed to support vaginal health. It is a live biopharmaceutical medication containing a particular strain of beneficial bacteria. Lactin-V is currently under development to help prevent conditions like bacterial vaginosis (BV) and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
The Role of Probiotics in Vaginal Health
The vagina hosts a complex community of microorganisms known as the vaginal microbiome. A balanced vaginal microbiome, predominantly composed of Lactobacillus species, is important for maintaining vaginal health. These beneficial bacteria produce various antimicrobial agents that help fight infection.
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that can be introduced to the body to maintain a healthy bacterial balance. In the vagina, Lactobacillus species help create an acidic environment by producing lactic acid, which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. Disruptions to this balance, characterized by a decrease in Lactobacillus species, can lead to conditions such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections. A healthy microbiome acts as a defense against these and other potential pathogens, reducing the risk of infection.
Lactin-V’s Mechanism of Action
Lactin-V contains the probiotic strain Lactobacillus crispatus CTV-05. This strain produces both lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). These substances are central to its mechanism of action, as lactic acid helps lower vaginal pH, creating an acidic environment unfavorable for many opportunistic pathogens.
Lactobacillus crispatus CTV-05 also adheres to vaginal epithelial cells, allowing it to colonize the vagina and potentially inhibit harmful bacteria by competing for adhesion sites. It also shows antagonistic activity against urogenital pathogens. Clinical trials have investigated Lactin-V’s effectiveness in preventing the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis. A phase 2b trial found that participants receiving Lactin-V after antibiotic treatment had a significantly lower rate of BV recurrence at 12 weeks (30%) compared to a placebo group (45%). This benefit was sustained for at least three months after the last dose, showing a sustained increase in Lactobacillus crispatus abundance and a reduction in BV-associated bacteria like Prevotella species.
Guidance for Using Lactin-V
Lactin-V is designed for intravaginal administration and is provided as a powder with an applicator. In clinical trials, a common dosage regimen involved applying Lactin-V once daily for five days, followed by twice weekly for an additional 10 weeks. The doses used in studies ranged up to 2 x 10^9 colony-forming units (CFU) per dose.
Lactin-V is stable for over a year at room temperature and more than two years when refrigerated. While well-tolerated, some participants reported mild local adverse events; no severe or serious events were observed. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially with recurring infections or during pregnancy. This ensures appropriate diagnosis and guidance, as Lactin-V is still an investigational product and not yet widely commercially available or FDA-approved.