Pylopass™ Explained: What Is Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648?
Quick answer: Pylopass™ is the trade name for Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648 (now classified as Limosilactobacillus reuteri), a bacterial strain selected in Berlin for its ability to bind to Helicobacter pylori in laboratory tests.
It is supplied in an inactivated (non-living) form, so it is not technically a probiotic. Human studies have generally used around 200 mg a day.
- One specific strain. Pylopass™ is the trade name for L. reuteri DSM 17648, now classified as Limosilactobacillus reuteri.
- Selected in Berlin from more than 700 strains for how selectively it bound to H. pylori in laboratory tests.
- Inactivated (non-living), so not technically a probiotic. Its supplier uses the term “postbiotic”.
- Around 200 mg a day is the amount generally used in human studies.
- Not a substitute for testing or for treatment prescribed by a doctor.
01What is Pylopass™?
Pylopass™ is a branded food supplement ingredient made from one specific bacterial strain: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648.
This matters because strains of the same species can behave differently.
In 2020 the species was reclassified as Limosilactobacillus reuteri; both names appear in the literature.
The ingredient’s supplier, Novonesis, describes Pylopass™ as a postbiotic based on Limosilactobacillus reuteri, and states that the strain has QPS (Qualified Presumption of Safety) status in the EU and GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status in the US.
| Name | Pylopass™ |
|---|---|
| Strain | Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648 (now classified as Limosilactobacillus reuteri) |
| Type | Inactivated (non-living); the supplier describes it as a postbiotic |
| Typical amount in studies | 200 mg a day (later clinical trials); early pilot studies used 2 × 1010 non-viable cells a day |
| Form | Non-viable (dead) cells used as a food supplement ingredient; studies used freeze-dried or spray-dried cells |
| Origin | Culture collection of Organobalance GmbH, Berlin, Germany |
| Supplier | Novonesis (formed by combining Novozymes and Chr. Hansen) |
| Status (per supplier) | QPS in the EU; GRAS in the US |
02Where does Pylopass™ come from?
According to the published research, the strain was found by screening hundreds of Lactobacillus strains from a large culture collection held by Organobalance GmbH in Berlin, Germany.
Holz and colleagues (2015) reported that DSM 17648 was picked out from more than 700 wild-type Lactobacillus strains because of how selectively it bound to H. pylori cells under simulated stomach conditions.
The 2013 Mehling and Busjahn paper refers to “Pylopass™/Lonza”, an earlier commercial partner. Today the ingredient is marketed by Novonesis, the company formed by combining Novozymes and Chr. Hansen.
How is it thought to work?
Laboratory work describes a process called co-aggregation. In test-tube and microscopy studies, DSM 17648 cells clumped together with H. pylori cells.
Holz et al. reported that this binding occurred with different H. pylori strains and serotypes, but not with Campylobacter jejuni or a range of other oral and intestinal bacteria they tested.
This is a laboratory observation only, and it does not show any effect in people.
03Is Pylopass™ a probiotic?
Not strictly. Pylopass™ is an inactivated (non-living) strain, so it is not technically a probiotic. The widely used definition of a probiotic refers to live microorganisms.
Because DSM 17648 is supplied as dead (non-viable) cells, it is more accurately described as an inactivated bacterial ingredient, and its supplier uses the term “postbiotic”.
This was a focus of the early research. Mehling and Busjahn (2013) used spray-dried cells, which are dead, in place of the freeze-dried cells used in earlier work.
Holz et al. reported that co-aggregation was still present in non-viable cells in the laboratory.
04What has research looked at?
Pylopass™ has been studied in several small human trials; see the references below. The notes here describe what the early studies set out to investigate.
They are research on the ingredient L. reuteri DSM 17648, not claims about any supplement product.
Holz et al. (2015): laboratory work and a pilot study
- Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins
- Single-blinded, placebo-controlled
- 14 days
This paper, published in Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins, describes the laboratory screening that identified the strain and its co-aggregation behaviour. It also reports a small single-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study in adults who tested positive for H. pylori.
Participants took 2 × 1010 non-viable, freeze-dried DSM 17648 cells a day for 14 days, and the researchers used a 13C urea breath test as their measure.
No side effects were reported in either group. The authors described it as a proof-of-concept study. [1]
Mehling and Busjahn (2013): a replication study
- Nutrients
- 22 adults
- 14 days, follow-up up to 24 weeks
This single-blinded, placebo-controlled pilot study, published in Nutrients, involved 22 adults with H. pylori but no symptoms.
It set out to repeat the earlier study in an independent group, using spray-dried rather than freeze-dried cells at the same daily amount for 14 days, with follow-up breath tests for up to 24 weeks.
No side effects or meaningful changes in safety blood tests were reported. [2]
Later trials have studied DSM 17648 given alongside medical treatment prescribed and supervised by doctors, and the research has been pooled in meta-analyses (references 3–5).
Many of the studies were small, and more independent research is needed. Pylopass™ is not a substitute for testing or for treatment prescribed by a doctor.
05How much Pylopass™ is used in studies?
The early pilot studies described the amount as a cell count: 2 × 1010 non-viable cells a day, split into several tablets and taken for 14 days.
Later clinical trials described it by weight. The Li et al. (2024) meta-analysis lists the Ismail 2023 trial as using 200 mg of L. reuteri DSM 17648 a day for 30 days.
Always follow the directions on the label of any supplement and do not exceed the stated dose.
06Can Pylopass™ be taken with medication?
Ask your GP or pharmacist first. Studies combining DSM 17648 with antibiotics and acid-reducing medicines were run under medical supervision.
If you have been prescribed treatment for H. pylori, take it exactly as directed and do not stop or change it because you are taking a supplement.
It is also worth telling your GP about any supplements you take before an H. pylori test. The NHS explains that testing may involve a breath, stool or blood test.
07Who should be careful?
- Anyone with stomach symptoms: indigestion that keeps coming back or doesn’t go away should be checked by a GP. The NHS advises urgent help for warning signs such as vomiting blood, black or bloody poo, unexplained weight loss or difficulty swallowing.
- People taking prescribed medicines, including antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors or medicines that affect the immune system: speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: early studies excluded this group, so ask a healthcare professional first.
- Children and teenagers: most food supplements of this kind are intended for adults.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
08Pylopass™ in StarBiome Pylori
StarBiome Pylori is a food supplement. Each daily dose of 2 vegan capsules contains:
- Pylopass™ (Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648, inactivated)200 mg
- N-acetyl cysteine600 mg
- Chamomile extract✓
- Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin)1000% NRV
Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the normal function of the nervous system and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
09Frequently asked questions
What is Pylopass™?
Pylopass™ is the trade name for Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648, an inactivated bacterial strain used as a food supplement ingredient. It was selected from a Berlin culture collection because it binds to H. pylori in laboratory tests. It is now supplied by Novonesis, which describes it as a postbiotic.
Is L. reuteri DSM 17648 the same as other L. reuteri supplements?
No. DSM 17648 is one specific strain, identified by its deposit number. Other L. reuteri strains, such as DSM 17938 or ATCC PTA 6475, are different organisms with their own research. Findings for one strain should not be assumed to apply to another, so check the strain number on the label.
Is Pylopass™ a probiotic?
Not technically. Probiotics are, by definition, live microorganisms, whereas Pylopass™ is made from inactivated (non-living) cells. In laboratory tests, the binding behaviour was still seen with non-living cells. The supplier uses the term “postbiotic” for this kind of ingredient.
How much Pylopass™ is used in research?
Early pilot studies gave 2 × 10¹⁰ non-viable cells a day for 14 days. Later clinical trials, such as Ismail et al. (2023), are reported to have used 200 mg a day, which is the amount most commonly associated with this ingredient. Always follow the label directions and do not exceed the stated dose.
Can Pylopass™ replace advice or treatment from a doctor?
No. Pylopass™ is a food supplement ingredient, not a medicine, and it should never replace testing or treatment prescribed by a doctor. Where it has been studied in patients, it was given alongside medical treatment supervised by doctors. If you think you have H. pylori, speak to your GP or pharmacist about testing and treatment.
Is Pylopass™ suitable for vegans?
That depends on the finished product rather than the ingredient alone, because capsule shells and other ingredients vary. StarBiome Pylori uses vegan capsules. Always check the full ingredient list and allergen information on any supplement before buying, and ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.
10References
- Holz C, Busjahn A, Mehling H, et al. Significant reduction in Helicobacter pylori load in humans with non-viable Lactobacillus reuteri DSM17648: a pilot study. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins. 2015;7(2):91–100. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4415890/
- Mehling H, Busjahn A. Non-viable Lactobacillus reuteri DSMZ 17648 (Pylopass™) as a new approach to Helicobacter pylori control in humans. Nutrients. 2013;5(8):3062–3073. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3775242/
- Ismail NI, Nawawi KNM, Hsin DCC, et al. Probiotic containing Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648 as an adjunct treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Helicobacter. 2023;28:e13017. https://doi.org/10.1111/hel.13017
- Li M, Wang X, Dong X, et al. Lactobacillus reuteri compared with placebo as an adjuvant in Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology. 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11155330/
- Andreev DN, Khurmatullina AR, Voynovan IN, et al. Strain-specific efficacy of Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17648 in Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Meditsinskiy Sovet. 2026;(8):37–48. https://doi.org/10.21518/ms2026-205
- Novonesis. Pylopass™ ingredient information. https://www.novonesis.com/en/biosolutions/human-health/dietary-supplements/gastrointestinal-health/pylopass
- NHS. Stomach ulcer. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stomach-ulcer/
- NHS. Gastritis. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gastritis/
- GOV.UK. Helicobacter pylori in dyspepsia: test and treat. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/helicobacter-pylori-diagnosis-and-treatment
