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Monash alumnus wins prestigious Metchnikoff Prize

27 June 2007

Monash Alumnus Dr Gregor Reid and Canadian colleague Dr. Andrew Bruce were recognised for their research into lactic acid bacteria and probiotics.

Monash University graduate Dr Gregor Reid MBA(Exec) 1998 and Canadian colleague Dr Andrew Bruce have been awarded the 2007 Elie Metchnikoff Prize for Nutrition and Health, 100 years after the Nobel Laureate first linked beneficial bacteria with long life.

Dr Reid, working at the Lawson Health Research Institute and University of Western Ontario and Dr Bruce, former Head of Urology in Toronto, Montreal and Queens Universities, received the award earlier this month at the International Dairy Federation Conference in Moscow.

They were chosen in one of the three winning categories, cited as scientists who have made outstanding discoveries in how lactic acid bacteria and probiotics enhance human nutrition, health and longevity.

In particular, they were recognised for their breakthrough work showing that orally administered beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria can help to maintain and restore vaginal health. An estimated one billion women worldwide suffer from vaginal and bladder infections and studies have shown that the lactobacilli discovered by Drs Reid and Bruce can prevent and improve treatment of these conditions. Their research led to the creation of the Canadian Research and Development Centre for Probiotics and subsequent training of over 40 students in the past five years.

Drs Reid and Bruce set up Urex Biotech Inc in 1988 and licensed their technology to Chr Hansen, a global distributor based in Denmark. Dr Reid then took the MBA at Monash to learn more about the business of science. His courses were undertaken in the UK, China, Australia and Canada.

Their studies have also resulted in the application of beneficial bacteria to children and adults infected with HIV in Africa. Early results show that the yogurt helps resolve diarrhea and boost the immune status.

Dr Reid, who was recently appointed President of the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics, said "we need to regard bacteria as part of us, instead of constantly trying to wipe them all out".

"If our work helps a fraction of the women who suffer, often in silence, from vaginal and bladder infections, and a fraction of the men, women and children with HIV/AIDS whose daily challenge is to stay alive and active, then we will have the ultimate reward".