Former BioGaia CEO joins LiveSpo’s board to drive global probiotic ambition

Former BioGaia CEO joins LiveSpo’s board to drive global probiotic ambition

Ducellier’s appointment would strengthen the company’s global vision.

Isabelle Ducellier, former CEO of BioGaia AB, was appointed to the Board of Directors of Vietnamese company LiveSpo Pharma. — Photo courtesy of the firm

Isabelle Ducellier, former CEO of Swedish firm BioGaia AB, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of Vietnamese biotechnology company LiveSpo Pharma, marking a significant step in its plan to bring 'Made in Việt Nam' spore-based probiotics to the global market.

Ducellier is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of international leadership experience in fast-moving consumer goods, health and biotechnology. During her time at BioGaia, she oversaw the expansion of one of the world’s leading probiotic brands into more than 100 countries, helping it become a trusted name in preventive healthcare.

“I was inspired by LiveSpo’s mission ‘A Future Without Antibiotics', its strong R&D foundation and dedicated team,” Ducellier said. “This is a science-driven approach that can contribute to solving one of the world’s top healthcare challenges – antibiotic overuse. I believe LiveSpo has the capacity to pioneer in this field.”

She pointed to LiveSpo NAVAX, a nasal spray containing spore probiotics, as an example of innovation with global potential. Clinical trials and international publications have confirmed its safety and effectiveness in reducing ear, nose and throat inflammation, opening a new direction for spore probiotics in respiratory care.

Nguyễn Hoa Anh, founder and chairman of LiveSpo, said Ducellier’s appointment would strengthen the company’s global vision. 

“Her participation enhances our strategic planning and expands our international partnership network, bringing our mission of a future without antibiotics closer to reality,” he noted.

The move comes as the global probiotics industry enters a period of rapid growth. According to Grand View Research, the market was valued at US$87.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to more than double to $220.1 billion by 2030. Other forecasts suggest it could reach nearly $376 billion by 2034, driven by rising consumer demand for preventive and science-based healthcare.

Founded in Hà Nội, LiveSpo has positioned itself as a pioneer in probiotic spore technology, focusing on products for digestive and respiratory health. Its products – branded as Spobiotics – are designed for durability, high concentration and effectiveness in challenging environments such as high acidity or temperature.

To ensure transparency and scientific credibility, the company registers its clinical trials under protocols from the US National Institutes of Health. Several of its studies have been independently reviewed and published in respected journals, including Nature Scientific Reports.

LiveSpo has also attracted backing from Mekong Capital and international experts such as Ben McHarg, founder of Life-Space, Australia’s top probiotics brand, as it sets its sights on global expansion.

With Ducellier joining its leadership, LiveSpo hopes to leverage international expertise and Việt Nam’s growing biotechnology capabilities to place the country firmly on the global probiotics map.

Bizhub